With the bullpen workload stretching past its limits and vital stars still stuck on the injured list, the Dodgers were targeting a big swing to steady the ship. All signs pointed toward the Guardians, where they would be locked in on a pair of electric stars thought to be on the move before the deadline. The focus? A dominant closer who is no stranger to late-inning force—and a rising star who has been lighting up stat sheets. However, just as the Dodgers looked ready to make a move, the door slammed shut.
The two Guardians stars were Cade Smith and Emmanuel Clase. As per insiders, however, that powerful deal has hit a wall. The Guardians have no interest in trading Smith and would only consider moving Clase if they were blown away by an offer. Smith has a 3.05 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 43.1 innings this season, after a dominant 2024 campaign with a 1.92 ERA and 103 Ks. Clase, still a top closer of the game, had a 1.37 ERA and 47 saves in 2022 and is under team control through 2028.
This left the Dodgers in a bind, and when the calls stop working, the team turns inward. That is exactly what they did this week, making a head-turning decision on a recognizable young star. As Fabian Ardaya said, “Dave Roberts confirmed Bobby Miller’s moving to a relief role in the minors. ‘I think that this might be something that unlocks him. Going hard for a shorter period, to get some confidence for him, which could help us here.”
Such a shift is no small thing. Bobby Miller, once hailed as a future frontline starter, has struggled this season. Through 69.1 innings in Triple-A, the star’s ERA ballooned to 5.58. Bobby Miller’s mechanics faltered, execution wavered, and the buzz that once surrounded the star began to dull. However, the bullpen? That could be a distinctive story. In limited relief outings—containing one earlier this month—Bobby Miller showed a flash of his old self and touched the high 90s with the heater and keeping hitters honest over shorter stints.
The Dodgers desperately need that version of the star right now. With Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol all unavailable, the relief corps is battered and overworked. The veterans have not stepped up. Kirby Yates, brought in to manage the late innings, carries a disappointing 4.34 ERA over 38 appearances. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the Dodgers know they can not afford to wait too long.
So, instead of praying for a magic on the trade market, the team is doubling down on their home talent. This is the gamble. Miller to the bullpen is not just a developmental move—it is a powerful emergency outcome. If it works, the Dodgers could just patch the gap without shipping out prized stars. If not, it could highlight that the team is back to square one with a deadline clock ticking loudly in the background.
Dave Roberts confirmed Bobby Miller’s move to a relief role in the minors.
“I think that this might be something that unlocks him. Going hard for a shorter period, to get some confidence for him, which could help us here.” https://t.co/nHYpPRDAVD
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 27, 2025
However, while the Miller experiment brews in the minors, the Dodgers are not shutting the door on outer firepower just yet…
Dodgers target aggressive blockbuster with Twins amid injuries and inconsistencies.
As internal reshuffling continues, the Dodgers are still dreaming large on the trade front. As per a scenario floated by former GM Jim Bowden, the Dodgers have their sights set on a heavy-hitting deal with the Twins. This deal could reset their bullpen and add serious versatility down the stretch. The rumored package would land the Dodgers not just one, but two bullpen stars—Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax—along with utility sparkplug Willi Castro. This is a trio that could quickly patch gaps caused by current injuries and underperformance.
Duran, with a 1.94 ERA and 15 saves, is the kind of flamethrower built for October. Jax, though more volatile this season, brings high-strikeout power and playoff-tested nerves. Castro is the exact kind of Swiss Army knife this roster thrives on—an OPS+ of 112, defensive flexibility, and an expiring deal that provides the Dodgers rental leverage. With Kiké Hernández and Max Muncy struggling, Castro would provide some much-needed breathing room across the field.
Of course, an all-in move like this comes with a heavy cost. The proposed package heading back to the Twins is not light—it contains Josue De Paula (the Dodgers’ top prospect), Jackson Ferris (No. 6), Bobby Miller, and outfielder Jaron Elkins. That is not just a future star—it is foundational. However, from the Dodgers’ standpoint, the urgency is clear. The team is hunting back-to-back titles, and standing pat is not the vibe. If the Guardians continue holding Clase hostage, pivoting to a high-impact and multi-star deal with the Twins could be the most realistic—and rewarding—route.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
This is not just related to patching leaks. This is related to fortifying the walls before the October storm hits. If the Dodgers are seriously going to raise another trophy, this vital gamble could be the team’s winning hand.
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