Machado’s right-handed bat will be valuable down the stretch if Justin Turner cannot return to form this season. However, most fans, although ecstatic to have Machado join the Dodgers, view the Dodger bullpen as the area of the club most in need of a significant upgrade.
MLB Bullpens are always in flux. Even the most elite MLB teams are looking to upgrade their bullpens when the trade deadline rolls around every year. Closer, co-closer, eighth inning set up man, middle reliever, and even LOOGYs (Lefty One Out GuY) are all in demand this time of year. Injuries and a reluctance to have starters not face lineups a third time have placed huge demands upon MLB bullpens in the present day MLB environment.