Dodgers trade for Norris after Kershaw injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their injury-depleted pitching staff Thursday just hours after placing Clayton Kershaw on the disabled list, as the club announced the acquisition of veteran right-hander Bud Norris from the Atlanta Braves for a pair of minor-league prospects.

In exchange for Norris, the Braves get minor-league pitchers Philip Pfeifer and Caleb Dirks, while Los Angeles will also receive Double-A outfielder Dian Toscano, a player to be named later, and cash considerations.

The move comes on the same day the Dodgers announced Kershaw was hitting the 15-day DL, after the left-handed ace received an epidural to alleviate pain in his ailing lower back. It's unknown whether Kershaw will return within the 15-day window, which would have left the Dodgers with a rotation that includes three rookies in Julio Urias, Brock Stewart, and Kenta Maeda.

Norris, 31, had become an increasingly popular trade target in recent weeks after pitching impressively since an early-season demotion to the bullpen. The veteran right-hander, who signed a one-year deal with the Braves, performed to a disastrous 8.74 ERA over his first five starts, but has since turned his season around.

Norris, a free agent at the end of the season, is under contract for $2.5 million this year.

Even after the acquisition of Norris, the Dodgers appear intent on adding more arms, as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported Thursday that the club remains interested in Rays reliever Erasmo Ramirez.

The Dodgers have been snake-bitten by injuries this season, with six starters, including Kershaw, currently on the DL. Hyun-Jin Ryu could be close to a return but hasn't pitched in the majors since 2014, Alex Wood is expected to be out through the end of July, Brett Anderson might be able to return from back surgery in late August, and Brandon McCarthy continues to rehab in High-A following Tommy John surgery.