After establishing personal bests in most offensive categories with the Athletics, Griffin was traded to the Dodgers for Bob Welch prior to the 1988 season. The three team trade, which included the New York Mets, also netted the Dodgers Jay Howell and Jesse Orosco. Ironically all three teams involved in the deal would go on to win their respective divisions in 1988. A Dwight Gooden fastball broke Griffin's hand in May 1988 at which he was disabled for much of 1988 and part of 1989. Despite missing most of the 1988 season, the Dodgers won the World Series that season, and he was awarded a championship ring.