Report: Dodgers asked Orioles about Britton's availability
The Los Angeles Dodgers' front office appears to have ambitions of building an almost unhittable bullpen.
Already armed with arguably the best closer in baseball, Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers reportedly called the Baltimore Orioles to check on the availability of closer Zach Britton, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
Heyman adds that Britton isn't available yet, but could be soon should the Orioles continue to slide further down the standings. Baltimore currently sits 7 1/2 games back in the division and reached the All-Star break having lost seven of its last 10 games.
The Dodgers enter the second half of the season owners of the best record in the majors, and without many pressing needs. Adding a pitcher like Britton, however, would give them one of the best one-two punches at the back end of the bullpen in all of baseball.
Britton, who is a free agent after next season, posted a 1.38 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 215 strikeouts over 209 innings from 2014-16, converting 120 saves. He has been limited to just 11 appearances this season due to forearm tightness, but has posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.75 WHIP with eight strikeouts.
In addition to Britton, the Dodgers also have interest in left-handed relievers Brad Hand and Justin Wilson, according to Heyman.