Rumor Roundup: Bucs eyeing closer Gomez

Indians could make move for Lucroy; Padres look to deal Cashner

July 21st, 2016

Phillies closer has been the subject of frequent rumors heading into the Aug. 1 non-wavier Trade Deadline, and the Pirates are among the teams eyeing the right-hander as a possible upgrade to their bullpen, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Gomez, 28, owns a 2.76 ERA and has converted 26 of his 29 save opportunities as he assumed the Phillies' primary closing duties this season. He's pitched his way into numerous trade rumors as next month's Deadline approaches.
The Pirates are very familiar with the Venezuelan right-hander. Gomez played two seasons with Pittsburgh in 2013-14, making 78 appearances (eight starts) with a 3.28 ERA for the Bucs.
Here's a look at some of the other rumors circulating around the big leagues:
Indians interested in Lucroy
The Indians emerged Wednesday as the latest trade suitor for Brewers catcher . Cleveland and Milwaukee are in talks regarding the 30-year-old backstop, according to Olney.
A source told MLB.com that while the Cleveland front office is exploring all options to improve the roster, the primary objective heading into the Deadline remains bolstering the bullpen.
The first-place Indians could be in the market to add another bat to their lineup with outfielder recently suffering another setback in his recovery from right shoulder surgery and catcher on the mend for at least six weeks with a separated shoulder.
Lucroy would fill that need. He's batting .305/.362/.492 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs through 86 games this season, resulting in his second career All-Star selection.

Morosi: Padres shopping Cashner
could soon be on the move. MLB.com columnist Jon Paul Morosi reported Wednesday that the Padres are looking to trade Cashner before his next scheduled start Thursday in St. Louis. Morosi listed the Marlins and Orioles as two potential trade partners.
Cashner, a free agent at the end of this season, is 4-7 with a 5.05 ERA in 2016. The right-hander has missed time with a right hamstring strain and a strained neck this year, landing on the disabled list for both ailments.

Dodgers could make a splash
The Dodgers could be big players at the Deadline as they look to make a push to catch the Giants in the National League West. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported Wednesday that a rival executive told him the Dodgers are "big-game hunting" for impact players.
Los Angeles is facing uncertainty with its ace , who's out indefinitely and possibly facing surgery due to lower back pain, and could try to acquire a starting pitcher, such as Tampa Bay's .  
Morosi previously reported that the Dodgers and Rays have engaged in trade talks, but it's not known which players were discussed. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman hails from the Rays front office, where he was general manager for nearly a decade.