Host Of Teams Scouting Jays’ Ace

According to Bob Elliott of the Canadian Baseball Network, the following teams had scouts in the Bronx to watch Marcus Stroman on Sunday: the Yankees, Red Sox, Padres, and Braves. Stroman would turn in a strong outing against one of baseball’s best lineups, throwing up a line of: 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 7 Ks. Stroman has the rest of 2019 and all of 2020 on his contract.

Phillies interested in Baltimore’s Givens

According to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com, the Phillies have interest in the Orioles’ reliever Mychal Givens, who is a free agent after the 2021 season. Kubatko states “I wrote over the weekend that the Phillies had serious interest in Cashner and certainly would have sent a scout to Camden Yards yesterday to watch him pitch prior to the trade. They also like Bundy and reliever Mychal Givens, based on what I’ve heard via industry chatter, and the latter most definitely is in play.”

The right-handed Givens has a 4.50 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 36 innings this year. He’s under team control through the 2021 season.

Rays Interested In Wheeler

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Rays are interested in Mets’ starter Zack Wheeler. Wheeler, 29, is one of the best starters expected to be moved at the deadline this year. Puma tweeted “Had heard earlier today Tampa Bay was asking about Wheeler. Even if Wheeler pitches again before the trade deadline, teams are going to be wary about his health.”

Wheeler was IL’d yesterday with shoulder discomfort, but the move is seen as precautionary by the team.

Ray Market Heating Up 

According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, Robbie Ray‘s market is beginning to heat up. The lefty is garnering interest from the Phillies and the Astros. Morosi tweeted “Sources: Astros, Phillies are showing interest in DBacks starter Robbie Ray, who is becoming a stronger trade candidate by the week.” Ray is under control for the next year and a half, adding to his trade value.

Cubs Trade For Catcher

With Willson Contreras headed to the injured list the Cubs needed a catcher and they got Martin Maldonado from the Royals according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The Cubs are sending struggling left-handed pitcher Mike Montgomery to the Royals for the veteran catcher.