​The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 3, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be buyers — potentially big buyers — in pursuit of their third consecutive World Series title.It certainly raised eyebrows, then, when outfield prospects Kendall George and Zyhir Hope were scratched from the lineup of the Dodgers’ Double-A affiliate shortly before the game was scheduled to begin.The best player rumored to be on the move this year is Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner. Los Angeles has been widely speculated to be on Skubal’s short list of possible destinations.Yet the Tigers are reportedly asking for an “enormous” return for Skubal. The Dodgers, who have six outfielders among their Top 10 prospects (per MLB Pipeline), are on a short list of teams who might be able to meet the ask.MORE: Orioles make trade, send 7-year veteran to TwinsAgainst this backdrop, the two outfielders being removed from the lineup at the last minute only raises the possibility that they would be included in a package for Skubal. For the moment, Skubal remains a Detroit Tiger.Hope, 21, has a .293/.369/.530 slash line at Tulsa, with 23 home runs and 87 RBIs, as well as 18 stolen bases. George, 21, has a .332/.418/.399 slash line for the Drillers, with 33 stolen bases.MORE: Mets make trade, begin trade deadline activity by sending reliever to TwinsIt’s common for teams to sit players who are being discussed in potential trade scenarios, not all of which will come to fruition. The late scratch doesn’t necessarily mean both Hope and George are being traded. However, it’s fair to assume they could be on the move soon. The alternatives — that both players are being promoted, or both were suddenly injured — are less plausible.MORE: Wife of Dodgers veteran has harsh reaction to trade rumorsTeams cannot trade players off their major league roster after 6 p.m. Monday. The Dodgers have historically been among the most active teams at the deadline, thanks in part to an aggressive front office and a seemingly limitless capacity to expand their player payroll.If they stay quiet at the 2026 deadline, it would be considered a shock.