MLB Rumors: Dodgers trade deadline push focused on 2 targets

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a clear need for MLB-ready and postseason-ready starting pitching. Not only do they have a huge hole here, but they have two very clear targets in mind.

Justin Verlander has been on their radar ever since he was made available. Trade talks have begun to heat up surrounding the former Cy Young winner after his teammate Max Scherzer was traded to the Rangers. The Mets have shown they would eat some of the money in a trade for Scherzer, which could be the case with Verlander as well. The price tag on Verlander will likely be similar to Scherzer, where it would take one higher level prospect to acquire him.

Their other top target resides in a bit of a smaller market in Eduardo Rodriguez from the Tigers. Bob Nightengale reported that the Tigers are "definitely trading starters Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen" and the Dodgers appear to be deep in the race to get him. Rodriguez has an opt-out option at the conclusion of this season, but if he's traded to Los Angeles, they could very well extend him for years to come. The Dodgers definitely have the assets to comfortably acquire him.

MLB Rumors: Latest Red Sox lineup raises alarm bells as deadline nears

When an everyday starter is missing from the lineup the day before the trade deadline, alarm bells begin to sound in the media of that team. This is often a sign of an incoming trade, or at least a trade discussion involving the player that's missing. It may not always mean a trade will happen, but it's noteworthy, nonetheless.

For Red Sox fans, this became their reality on Monday when Adam Duvall was missing from the starting lineup. Duvall has been rumored to have interest from multiple teams in the MLB. He would be a good fit in Atlanta with the Braves or in New York with the Yankees. The Red Sox may not be quick to move him, but to be missing from the lineup is definitely alarming with the deadline approaching tomorrow.

It should also be noted that the Red Sox often rotate their outfielders with rest days, which could be exactly why Duvall is not seen in the starting nine. But with the obvious trade interest in the outfielder, especially by the buying Braves, as well as his expiring contract, he very well could see himself traded in the next 20 hours. Only time will tell for Adam Duvall.

MLB Rumors: Yankees miss out on Jeimer Candelario, make no effort to acquire him

As the trade deadline nears, one of the biggest things to focus in on is the lineup cards that managers put out. When a typical starter is not seen in the lineup, it's often a sign of a trade being discussed on that player.

This became the reality around Jeimer Candelario as he was not seen in the lineup for the Nationals this afternoon. Many have speculated the infielder would be a perfect fit for the Yankees to acquire, as he would fill in as a major piece in their infield rotation.

But as Candelario was being discussed in trades by the struggling Nationals, Andy Martino reported that the Yankees were not in the discussions surrounding him. This could be seen as a huge blunder for New York, especially when it's noted that the price on Candelario was very achievable.

The Cubs ended up dealing their 14th and 16th prospects, per MLB Pipeline, to acquire Candelario from the Nationals. The biggest issue with the Yankees missing out on him isn't just the fact that they missed him. It's the fact that they didn't even make an attempt, which shows little to no urgency as they sit in a loaded AL East division.