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Report: Dodgers talking to Rays about Erasmo Ramirez

Ed Zurga / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be looking to help their banged-up rotation with a bit of an unlikely name.

Los Angeles has reportedly been discussing left-hander Erasmo Ramirez with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Ramirez would be a rather fascinating pickup because he's pitched primarily out of the bullpen this season. The Dodgers don't mind, though, as Rosenthal notes they feel the durable Ramirez could be put back into the rotation quickly and perhaps throw four or even five innings in his first appearance.

This is the first season of his career that Ramirez has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen, though he did make one start for Tampa Bay on April 16, throwing 66 pitches in 5 2/3 shutout innings on just two days rest. He made 27 of 34 appearances in 2015 as a starter.

The Dodgers are searching for rotational upgrades in the wake of Clayton Kershaw's back issues and several other injuries. They also don't want to push 19-year-old phenom Julio Urias in his rookie season.

In 50 1/3 innings this year (31 total appearances), the 26-year-old Nicaraguan owns a 3.75 ERA and 36 strikeouts to just 12 walks. He's been faring far better against right-handed hitters (.267/.301/.388 to .292/.370/.569 against lefties), and has superior home statistics compared to his work away from Tropicana Field (1.09 ERA, 0.851 WHIP, three walks at the Trop to 6.51, 1.675, and nine away).

Ramirez owns a career 4.18 ERA, 1.259 WHIP, and 327 strikeouts over 112 career appearances, 63 of which have been starts.

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