Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers expected to acquire Royals lefty Danny Duffy

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/29/21

Like many predicted, the Los Angeles Dodgers are seemingly on the cusp of adding a veteran pitcher who can eat up innings and possibly help the club overtake the San Francisco Giants in the National League West division standings.

Jon Morosi and Mark Feinsand of the league's website confirmed the Dodgers are "near" an agreement to land Kansas City Royals left-handed starter Danny Duffy. ESPN's Jeff Passan first had the news and added that the Dodgers will be sending the Royals at least one player to be named later.

Dodgers will be getting money in the Duffy deal, and that needs to be approved, too (but is expected to be)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2021

Duffy, 32, is in the final year of his contract and is currently on the injured list with a left flexor strain. He's appeared in 13 games this season and is 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA across 61 innings of work. While he has no-trade protection and could void the deal, he's expected to make the move to Los Angeles.

Duffy approved the deal to Dodgers. He is from Lompoc, about 2.5 hours north of LA (or in traffic much more)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2021

As some were quick to point out on Twitter, this transaction doesn't prevent the Dodgers from making a bigger acquisition ahead of Friday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. Earlier in the day, MLB Network's Jon Heyman named the Dodgers as one of five clubs (Giants, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and an unnamed team) pursuing Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer.

Scherzer has a no-trade clause and is reportedly keen on joining a West Coast team if he's dealt.

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