The Los Angeles Dodgers were one of the more active teams at the trade deadline despite an offseason spending spree. Los Angeles suffered several injuries to key players throughout the season, which led to the front office having to sign more talent.
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The Dodgers were plagued by all kinds of injuries, especially in the starting lineup. This forced Los Angeles to sign right-hander Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers in a blockbuster transfer.
Flaherty is a Southern California boy, so coming home and playing for the Dodgers was a dream come true. Last week he made his first start for Los Angeles on the road against the Oakland Athletics and completely shut down the Oakland offense, throwing six innings without allowing a run and recording seven strikeouts.
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The right-hander made his first start for the Dodgers at home on Friday, and it was special for him throughout. Flaherty went 5.2 innings, allowing four runs and striking out 10 batters.
He admitted it wasn’t his best start, but still enjoyed everything that came with it. The fans at Dodger Stadium welcomed him to the team with a standing ovation.
“Yeah, it wasn’t my best start, but it was my first here and … I don’t know if I expected it, but it was special,” Flaherty said of the applause. “I enjoyed every second of it. This fan base is as dedicated and loyal as they come. It’s a lot of fun.”
He’s off to a great start with the Dodgers so far and the team likes what they’ve seen from him. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the right-hander after his second good start for the team.
“One thing I’ve learned about Jack so far is that no situation, no moment, will ever be too big for him,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He has the ability to make throws when he needs to, and that’s great.”
The Dodgers will likely rely heavily on Flaherty as the season progresses. Los Angeles’ once-large lead in the National League West division has shrunk to just 2.5 games, so Flaherty could make a big difference in the race for the division.
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