When Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was asked if he regrets the trade deadline haul, he said, “We don’t live like that.” The Dodgers front office feels good about the work they have put in at this trade deadline. As it seems, the club was betting on the roster they constructed this past offseason, but it’s exactly what’s been criticized lately. Adding reliever Brock Stewart was seen as a relatively low-profile move for their bullpen, and now he is already out of the picture.

Earlier this week, he was placed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation after just four appearances with the team. Apparently, he was the only proven reinforcement for the team, who is now sidelined after making just four appearances.

Now, the Dodgers have 12 pitchers sidelined, and the timing couldn’t be worse given that we’re in the make-or-break stretch of the season.

The Dodgers have witnessed the San Diego Padres surpassing them in the NL standings. Largely because of their modest moves during the deadline. As Bob Nightingale from USA Today revealed, the Dodgers reportedly didn’t show much interest in top Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax.

Their lack of interest in two of the league’s elite relievers led to both of them getting traded to other teams. Eventually, Duran was acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies, and Jax was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Duran holds a sparkling 1.86 ERA with 56 strikeouts across 53 1/3 innings and Jax has also proven to be one of the best relievers in the league.

The Dodgers’ decision to not pursue Duran and Jax could definitely play a factor in how deep a run they can go in the playoffs. Even now, the Dodgers have the ninth-worst OPS in the league and rank 16th with a 4.22 ERA.

Yet, the front office is optimistic that Roberts has the pieces to win it all. The trade deadline is long gone, but the club’s moves are still under scrutiny given how they’ve played in the recent weeks.

Fans believe the Dodgers’ reluctance at the deadline cost them the division title

As for what many believe, Andrew Friedman “dropped the ball” at this year’s deadline. The Dodgers have collapsed recently against the crosstown rivals, and they’ve never looked this bad. Until we see them recovering, the fans have been fuming over their reluctance.

Of course the one under the most scrutiny is the one behind all the decisions. “Friedman dropped the ball at this year’s trade deadline. And the bullpen has already gotten worse since then. The next 7 days will be very telling.” As per Friedman, there was risk in every move they’d make. It’s barely been days, and their sole proven addition, Brock Stewart, is already on the injured list. The Dodgers’ bullpen has thrown the most innings in baseball this season. That’s why they were pushed to address it before July 31. Now, they’re in the middle of the three-game series against the first-place San Diego Padres. By the coming week, we will know more about the Dodgers’ overall situation.

Some believe there’s another reason why the Dodgers were modest this time. “I think the front office senses something; maybe it’s not our year. That’s why they didn’t go all in.” A fan noted. It hasn’t been long since the word was spread that the Dodgers could put together a pitching staff even stronger than the one that threw 24 scoreless innings during last season’s World Series. However, it all seems unlikely now!

Other harsh critiques accused the front office of arrogance. “Arrogant front office doubling down on his (Andrew Friedman) bad decisions.” Despite all the piled-up losses, when Friedman didn’t show regret over their modest moves, it bothered the Dodgers’ nation. They had the chance to fix their gaps, but they didn’t. Instead, they bet on their existing players.

Another fan pointed out, “Jhoan Duran would’ve been perfect on the Dodgers.” Duran happens to be 4-for-4 in save opportunities with the Phillies. The 27-year-old has a stunning 1.86 ERA and 20 saves this season. The National League East-leading Phillies won a jackpot with him. He would’ve been a Dodger if the defending champions had pursued him.

But now, as it seems, “It’s too damn late now!” The deadline is long gone. And the Dodgers have already missed out on many elite relievers. The club has 12 pitchers on the injured list currently. Yet, the Dodgers are optimistic with their existing roster.

Do you think they’re playoff ready?