MLB Trade Deadline: Four questions that will determine Dodgers plans

With MLB’s Aug.3 trade deadline less than a month away, here are four questions that could shape the Dodgers’ deadline plans, as they try to shore up their bid for a third-consecutive World Series.With the best record in the majors and a division title already all but secured, the Dodgers approach the deadline as the best kind of buyer.One who has virtually no real needs.This year’s lineup is practically the same as last year’s (just with Kyle Tucker instead of Michael Conforto).

The bullpen has looked better and deeper than a season ago, and should only get stronger once Edwin Díaz returns.The bench is full of experience.

There are talented young players in the minors who could help provide reinforcements if needed.The only way things could really go sideways is if they suffer rotation injuries –– a fear that has only been raised by Tyler Glasnow (back spasms) and Blake Snell (elbow procedure) missing most of the first half of the year.Obviously, top trade target Tarik Skubal would take care of that problem.If there is one needle-moving player who could be available at the deadline, it is him.But if Skubal doesn’t get dealt, or comes with an asking price from the Tigers that surpasses the Dodgers’ comfort range, the front office will have to make two calculations:Are they confident that all of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Glasnow and Snell will be healthy and available come October?And if not, would they trust Justin Wrobleski, Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, or one of their other less-experienced arms to start a playoff game? If the answer is no to both, then Skubal might not be the only arm they could look at to hedge against potentially poor health.The Dodgers are the best kind of buyer for another reason, too.They have a flourishing farm system widely ranked in the top three of the sport. That pipeline was highly-touted even before the season began.Across-the-board performance this year has only underscored their organizational strength....