DODGERS: Acquire Manny Ramirez

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez has been traded to the Dodgers, and the players in the trade have been finalized. Jason Bay goes to the Red Sox, and the Pirates get Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris from the Dodgers, and Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen from the Red Sox, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

BOTTOM LINE: The Red Sox got hosed on this deal. If you are going to trade Manny, you need to cash in on a good return. They must have thought that Jason Bay was a good enough bounty to get Manny and his negative attitude out of town. Ramirez is a free agent at season’s end.

DODGERS: Saito to be Shut Down

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Takashi Saito has been diagnosed with a sprained elbow ligament and will be shut down for six weeks and then reevaluated, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

BOTTOM LINE: This increases the probability that the Dodgers will go out and acquire a reliever before the trading deadline. Saito had been showing some signs of being injured, so this is no surprise.

Dodgers: Derek Lowe Almost Perfect

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Derek Lowe took a perfect game into the seventh on Wednesday against the Braves and held them to one run over 7.2 innings to get the win.

BOTTOM LINE: The Dodgers have been getting some stellar pitching of late, as Hiroki Kuroda took a perfect game into the eighth a couple of days ago. Lowe is a good option right now.

DODGERS: Furcal Has Set-Back

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal will undergo back surgery and miss at least eight weeks, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

BOTTOM LINE: This is a tough break for both Furcal and the Dodgers, who were hoping to have him back soon. Furcal may not be right for the best of the season, but he surely will make an effort coming back, because he is due to hit the market after the season.

DODGERS: Utilizing the “Penny” Saver

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Brad Penny will make his return from the disabled list on Saturday. He threw 50 pitches in a simulates game on Tuesday and reported no pain.

BOTTOM LINE: This will be a big boost for the Dodgers, who still have as god of a shot as anyone to take the division. No one seems to be running away with it.

DODGERS: Pierre Shelved

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Juan Pierre will miss four-to-six weeks with a sprained MCL in his left knee, according to the Dodgers’ offical site.

BOTTOM LINE: They will miss his speed, and the guys on the bench will fill in while he is out. Adjust your lineups accordingly.