Dodgers Shock MLB with Late-Night Bullpen Trade—How the Surprise Deal Reshapes L.A.’s 2025 Title Chase

June 3, 2025 — The Los Angeles Dodgers are reshaping their roster and bracing for a pivotal homestand just as injured stars inch closer to action. The club kicked off the week by acquiring hard-throwing reliever Will Klein from the Seattle Mariners, a move designed to stabilize a bullpen that has seen 14 different arms cycle through since Opening Day. Klein’s mid-90s fastball and high strikeout rate add swing-and-miss potential to late-inning plans that have leaned heavily on Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia. To make room, Los Angeles optioned right-hander J.P. Feyereisen and recalled rookie Ryan Loutos, whose 1.64 ERA at Triple-A Oklahoma City forced the front office’s hand after a string of extra-inning affairs strained the staff. Manager Dave Roberts hinted that Klein could debut as early as Wednesday against the New York Mets, depending on medical intake and travel. Injuries are still the biggest storyline. Mookie Betts (fractured toe) has progressed to full batting practice and fielding drills; the All-Star leadoff man could be activated during the weekend set with the San Francisco Giants if he clears baserunning benchmarks. Conversely, ace Tyler Glasnow (forearm tightness) remains shut down for another seven days, while Blake Snell (oblique) has yet to resume throwing. Without their usual top-of-the-order spark, the Dodgers have leaned on Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani to keep the offense afloat. Ohtani’s June OPS sits at 1.122, highlighted by a pair of tape-measure homers in Sunday’s finale against the Yankees, but the lineup ranks just 18th in MLB in on-base percentage since Betts hit the injured list. Klein’s arrival and Betts’ imminent return could provide the one-two punch Los Angeles needs to chase down the San Diego Padres in the National League West. The immediate test is a three-game tilt with the surging Mets, who send left-hander José Quintana to the mound tonight. Veteran Clayton Kershaw, pitching on six days’ rest, will counter for the Dodgers. Kershaw’s 2.91 ERA at home this year underscores how critical a deep outing would be in giving the overtaxed bullpen a breather. Fans heading to Chavez Ravine should keep an eye on rookie outfielder Andy Pages; Roberts confirmed he will start in right field in at least two of the next three games. Pages owns a .347 average against lefties and could cement a bigger role if he continues to rake. Key Takeaways for Dodgers Nation: • Trade nets power arm Will Klein for immediate bullpen help. • Mookie Betts nearing activation; Tyler Glasnow’s timeline pushed back. • Ryan Loutos recalled, J.P. Feyereisen optioned in latest roster shuffle. • Critical series vs. Mets begins tonight with Clayton Kershaw on the hill. As the calendar flips to mid-June, every inning counts. The Dodgers’ blend of high-impact reinforcements and home-field momentum may determine whether they surge back to the top of the division or continue chasing in the standings.