Philly Looking to Make a Major/Minor move

Jim Salisbury of NCBS Sports Philadephia reports that the Phillies have cast a wide net in their search for pitching, looking into the Giants’ Madison Bumgarner, the Tigers’ Matthew Boyd, and the Diamondbacks ‘ Zack Greinke.

Bumgarner, a pending free agent, has thrown 125.1 innings with a 3.65 ERA for San Francisco this season while Boyd has emerged as one of the league’s breakout starters with his 3.95 ERA. Meanwhile, the still-effective Greinke has still garnered interest even with his record-breaking contract representing a huge obstacle in trade negotiations.

Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadephia also notes that the Phillies are the latest team to enter the Mike Minor sweepstakes, joining the Brewers as potential trade partners.

In the midst of a career campaign, Minor’s pitched to an 8-4 record, 2.73 ERA, 3.82 FIP in 122 innings with Texas so far. His ERA, innings and ERA- all ranks among the top-10 among qualified pitchers.

The Rangers, who are five games back of a playoff spot at the moment, are still undecided on their trade deadline path, but if they decide to sell, Minor could net a package of tantalizing prospects in the coming weeks

Phillies Sign Drew Smyly 

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Phillies have signed former Tigers’ and Rays’ starter Drew Smyly.

Salisbury tweeted out last night that the Phillies had shown interest in the southpaw, who opted out of his deal with the Brewers today after a nightmarish start to the start.

After being traded to Texas over the offseason, the Rangers released Smyly after he posted an 8.42 ERA through 51.1 innings. The Brewers inked him to a minor-league pact in June but sent the lefty packing after three ineffective starts.

The Phillies seem focused on acquiring starting pitching this deadline and with good reason to. Their 4.76 ERA ranks the lowest out of any team currently in a playoff spot. Aaron Nola has failed to replicate his Cy-Young caliber campaign from 2018 while the quartet of Jake Arrieta, Zach Eflin, Vince Velasquez, and Nick Pivetta have failed to resemble any sort of consistent force.

Braves Also Looking Into Minor

Jon Morosi of MLB.com added that the Braves are “open to a reunion” with Minor. The southpaw debuted in 2010 with Atlanta and pitched five seasons with a 38-36 record and 4.10 ERA for them.

Twins Looking to Add Pitching

Morosi also reports that the Twins are looking at Boyd as well as Shane Greene from the Tigers. In 34 innings this season, Greene owns a 1.06 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 22 saves.

Bauer on the Block? 

Morosi adds that the Indians could deal Treavor Bauer, even though they are in contention for a playoff spot. The Indians would like to shed Bauer’s contract, as he’s due for  a raise in arbitration. Morosi writes that San Diego is interested, and could offer Cleveland hitters like Franmil Reyes, Hunter Renfroe and Luis Urias.