White Sox Trade Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to Dodgers for Trayce Thompson & Two Minor Leaguers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly in a trade with the Chicago White Sox. Lynn has had a disappointing season but has shown potential with his high strikeout numbers. Kelly returns to the Dodgers for his second stint with the team.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant move to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the trade deadline. They have announced that they have acquired Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly in a trade with the Chicago White Sox.

In exchange for Lynn and Kelly, the Dodgers will be sending outfielder Trayce Thompson, pitcher Nick Nastrini, and reliever Jordan Leasure to the White Sox. This trade showcases the Dodgers' commitment to strengthening their pitching rotation as they continue to lead the NL West.

Lance Lynn, although having a somewhat underwhelming season, brings a wealth of experience to the Dodgers. The 36-year-old right-hander has a 6-9 record with a 6.18 ERA, leading the American League in earned runs and home runs allowed. However, Lynn has managed to strike out 139 batters in just 115 innings, averaging an impressive 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

One notable highlight of Lynn's season was his performance in June when he struck out 16 batters in a game against the Seattle Mariners. This set a major-league record for the most strikeouts in a game by a pitcher with an ERA above 6.00. Lynn was also named an All-Star for the White Sox in 2021 and signed a $38 million, two-year contract extension shortly after.

Lynn began the 2022 season on the injured list due to a meniscus tear suffered in spring training. However, he made a strong comeback in mid-June, finishing the season with an 8-7 record in 21 starts and a 3.99 ERA. He recorded 121 strikeouts in 121 2/3 innings pitched.

Throughout his career, Lynn has primarily played in the American League, having also pitched for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. He began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, winning a World Series in his debut season in 2011. The following year, he earned his first All-Star selection.

Joe Kelly, on the other hand, is returning to Los Angeles for his second stint with the Dodgers. The hard-throwing right-handed reliever recently came off the injured list after dealing with elbow inflammation. Kelly previously pitched for the Dodgers from 2019-2021, winning a World Series title during the pandemic-delayed 2020 season. He recorded a 3.59 ERA in 105 1/3 innings during his previous tenure with the team.

It's worth noting that Kelly is not the only former Dodger to make his way back to Los Angeles. The Dodgers have been active in bringing back familiar faces to strengthen their roster. This move demonstrates their desire to build a championship-caliber team by utilizing players who have previously contributed to their success.

Overall, the acquisition of Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly showcases the Dodgers' commitment to improving their pitching staff. While Lynn may have had a challenging season, his ability to rack up strikeouts and his past success make him a valuable addition. Kelly's return adds depth to the bullpen and brings a familiar face back to the team. The Dodgers are making strategic moves to position themselves as strong contenders in the NL West and beyond.

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