The Dodgers added more than just Tarik Skubal in their deadline business. They also landed left-hander Kris Bubic from the Royals, and for now, Los Angeles plans to use him in relief.
That’s a notable pivot for a pitcher who has spent most of his career starting games. Bubic has made 89 starts in 126 appearances, and he worked as a full-time starter during his All-Star season in 2025. He earned that honor last year, but 2026 has gone very differently.
Bubic is currently on the 60-day injured list with left elbow and left shoulder soreness, and he has not pitched since May 18. He received a cortisone injection in early July and, as of last week, was throwing from out to 80 feet on flat ground. He also began two rehab assignments this season, first on June 9 and then again on June 24, but both were halted because of shoulder discomfort.
Even with the injury issues, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said the team believes Bubic can get back on the mound this season. The immediate plan is to build him up as a reliever.
“The biggest thing with Kris is we know what he’s capable of; an All-Star and able to be a dominant force for us out of the ‘pen and as a starter,” Gomes said. “I think right now, looking at his progression, he just threw a ‘pen [Sunday], I believe his first one. So he’s going to start to build up in ‘pens and live BPs, and go out and see what that looks like.
“Our plan right now is to run him out as a reliever. Get him healthy and get him back to that version prior to this year, where he was fully healthy.”
The Dodgers don’t need Bubic to jump into the rotation, but he gives them another option if an opening comes up. He also brings real upside in the bullpen after what he showed last season. His profile fits the job, too: above-average chase, whiff and strikeout numbers, with a 90th-percentile chase rate that stood out.
Bubic will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
To get him, the Dodgers sent minor league pitcher Carlos Duran to Kansas City. Duran originally signed with Los Angeles as an international free agent in 2018 and spent parts of seven seasons in the organization over two different stints. This year with the Comets, the 25-year-old went 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP in 37 appearances, including two starts.
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