The Dodgers beat the Rays 3-0 on Aug. 3, 2025, behind Yamamoto & Freeman. Read how LA won the series and why they surprisingly traded Gavin Lux to the Reds.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It wasn't pretty, but it was a win. The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped an 18-inning scoreless drought on Sunday, manufacturing just enough offense to back a stellar Yoshinobu Yamamoto start and secure a 3-0 victory and a series win over the Tampa Bay Rays. But the on-field action was only half the story, as the front office made a significant move, trading former top prospect Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds.
Freddie Freeman extended his on-base streak to 18 games, finishing the day 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.
After two frustrating games at the plate in Tampa's temporary home, the Dodgers finally remembered how to score—just not in their usual, long-ball fashion. They played old-school baseball, using aggressive baserunning and timely hits to get the job done. Freddie Freeman was the catalyst, breaking the seal with an RBI single in the sixth. Shohei Ohtani, who doubled and singled, manufactured another run with his legs, pulling off a daring double steal that led to a Mookie Betts sacrifice fly. On the mound, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was masterful, tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts to earn his 10th win. The bullpen held firm, with Ben Casparius fearlessly escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth for the save. It was a gritty, hard-fought win on a winning road trip.
While the team celebrated in Tampa, the front office was busy reshaping the roster. In a surprising move, the Dodgers traded infielder Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. In return, Los Angeles received promising minor league outfielder Mike Sirota and a valuable competitive balance draft pick. For Lux, it marks the end of a long and often tumultuous tenure in L.A. Once the heir apparent at shortstop, injuries and inconsistent play prevented him from locking down a permanent role. The trade gives Lux a much-needed fresh start and provides the Dodgers with future assets, signaling a clear direction from the front office.
The victory wasn't without its concerns. Second baseman Tommy Edman left the game in the fifth with a right ankle sprain, the severity of which is still unknown. His potential absence adds to the infield questions. Meanwhile, Mookie Betts's struggles at the plate continued; he went hitless again, extending his slump to 0-for-16 over the last four games. In an effort to shake things up, Manager Dave Roberts dropped him from the leadoff spot. While the team just activated Blake Snell, another injury is the last thing they need as they navigate the tough August schedule.
Sunday was a perfect snapshot of a championship contender's season: a crucial series win built on grit, a significant trade that balances the present and future, and another injury hurdle to overcome. The Dodgers leave Tampa with a winning record on the road trip, but with new questions about their infield health and lineup consistency. As they head home, all eyes will be on how they adapt to life without Lux and how quickly Edman can return to the field.
