Dodgers 'very comfortable' with Jack Flaherty's health - ESPN

SAN DIEGO — Jack Flaherty joined his new team on Wednesday and downplayed concerns surrounding a back issue that reportedly forced the New York Yankees to back out of a deal and prompted him to join his hometown Los Angeles Dodgers.

«All I know is I feel great,» Flaherty said from the visiting dugout at Petco Park. «I've felt great since we got back from the break or even right before that. I've felt great and been ready to pitch. I've been pretty anxious about just wanting to get out there again.»

Flaherty, who will make his Dodgers debut on the road against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, missed a start at the beginning of July because of a lower back issue that required two injections in a span of three weeks. But Flaherty has since allowed just four runs (three earned) in 17⅔ innings for the Detroit Tigers, solidifying himself as one of the most desirable arms ahead of this year's trade deadline.

The Yankees and Dodgers emerged as the two strongest suitors for Flaherty, but The Athletic reported that the Yankees backed out of a preliminary trade agreement after a review of his medical records. The Dodgers landed Flaherty with about 10 minutes left before Tuesday's 3 p.m. PT deadline.

The Yankees remained interested in Flaherty after reviewing his medical records, with general manager Brian Cashman telling reporters on Wednesday the team was «engaged to the very end» of the deadline in discussions to trade for him. The Dodgers' comfort with the deal, sources told ESPN, stemmed in part from Dr. Robert Watkins — the back specialist who treats Flaherty and serves as a consultant to the Dodgers — endorsing Flaherty's health.

«I'm very comfortable,» manager Dave Roberts said. «I just talked to him today; he feels great.