BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The NL West-leading Dodgers could be idle at Thursday’s trade deadline, with general manager Ned Colletti saying the team isn’t close to making any deals.
He said Wednesday night they have been actively looking for pitching, but has found there is not much available. Starters Josh Beckett and Dan Haren have struggled recently.
“We’ve made a lot of calls, done a lot of scouting,” Colletti said. “When you make a deal you have to feel you’re getting someone better than what you have. There’s a limited pool and less opportunity to do something.”
Colletti tamped down speculation that the Dodgers are trying to trade right fielder Matt Kemp, who has three homers in his last two games.
“Nobody has heard me say we’re trading Matt Kemp,” he said. “That’s all in another world.”
The Dodgers have been mentioned as a possible destination for Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, who is said to be on his way out in Boston. But to swing a deal Los Angeles would likely have to give up two top prospects.
“We’re not inclined to trade any of the three,” Colletti said, referring to Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Julio Urias.
The Dodgers have typically been active at the non-waiver trade deadline, which is 1 p.m. PDT on Thursday. The GM said the current club is good and he’s trying to take it to a greater level.
“When the sun comes up, the world changes sometimes,” Colletti said. “There’s always August.”
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