The Los Angeles Dodgers had a nine-game lead in the National League West division entering Independence Day, but after an abysmal 12-21 record since then, now sit in second place behind the San Diego Padres.

The Friars made quite a splash at the trade deadline, fortifying the weak spots in their roster and leveling up an already elite bullpen. The Dodgers, on the other hand, were far more reserved when it came to deadline deals.

The Padres went all in at the trade deadline. The Dodgers did not.

The Padres since the deadline: 9-3
The Dodgers since the deadline: 5-7

The Dodgers are in second place in the NL West for the first time since April 28.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) August 14, 2025

Relief pitcher Brock Stewart and outfielder Alex Call were the only moves made to immediately impact the roster, but with Stewart landing on the injured list Tuesday, and Call batting just .150 in nine games, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was asked if he has any regrets after a quiet deadline.

More news: Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman Feels Good About Roster Heading Into Stretch Run, NL West Race

“We don’t live like that,” Friedman said. “There’s deals that we thought made sense for us we pursued hard. It’s not like we had the potential to do a deal where we were like, ‘No’ and now we wish we would have.

“It’s always that balance. Lining up on a trade is hard. We feel good about the work we put in and the group that we have. Again, taking a snapshot on August 12th is one thing. Hopefully if we make it into October, seeing the roster that we submit we feel that it’s going to be a very, very strong roster. That’s our bet and that’s what we’re going with.”

The Dodgers knew that relief pitching was a major weakness on their team, but the reliever market at the trade deadline appeared to be at an all-time high, given the top prospects dealt for high-leverage arms around the league.

Although relying on currently injured players hasn’t always proven to be the wisest course of action, Friedman knows the kind of talent shelved away on the IL at the moment and those who will be back in time to contribute for October.

Right or not, the Dodgers are going to have to live with their decisions at the deadline, and try to get back into first place against the red-hot Padres.

More news: Dodgers’ Bobby Miller Reveals Biggest Adjustment in Move to Bullpen Thus Far

Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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