ARLINGTON -- The Rockies have expressed interest in Rangers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, according to Major League sources. A trade is not imminent, but the Rockies are looking to upgrade their catching as Monday's non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches.
MLB.com's Thomas Harding is also reporting the Rockies have interest in Alex Avila of the Tigers and Kurt Suzuki of the Braves.
The Rangers have not committed to being "sellers" at the Trade Deadline, but they have made it clear they are willing to talk about certain players. Lucroy is one of them as the Rangers have Robinson Chirinos and Brett Nicholas behind him.
Chirinos is currently dealing with a sprained left ankle and is day to day. Nicholas was called up on Monday to give the Rangers an extra catcher.
The Rangers still have their eyes on the Wild Card race, but went into Tuesday's game with the Marlins 3 1/2 games out. They were 18 games behind the Astros in the American League West.
"We are trying to win baseball games," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "That's the mindset here every day. That's the only thing we can do is own the day."
Griffin being considered for Ross
A.J. Griffin, who has been on the disabled list since May 27 with a strained left intercostal muscle, could return to the rotation as early as Saturday against the Orioles.
Griffin threw five scoreless innings for Double-A Frisco against Midland on Saturday. He allowed four hits, two walks and struck out five while throwing 73 pitches.
"It went pretty good," Griffin said. "I executed my pitches for the most part. I had a few hits but a couple were ground balls. I was keeping them off balance and I was able to repeat my delivery pretty well. I lost the feel for a few batters but got it back and finished strong. I feel the normal soreness after I pitch. The main thing I was able to go five innings and felt pretty good."
The Rangers are looking for a starter to fill in for Tyson Ross, who is on the disabled list with a blister on his right index finger. Banister said Griffin is being considered but nothing has been decided yet.
Rangers beat
• Ross on his finger: "I just have a blister but unfortunately it affected me [Sunday]. The ball wasn't coming off right and I didn't have a good feel for it. Hopefully it will be a short stint on the DL"
• Joey Gallo has been bothered by a sore left hamstring but made his first start in left field since June 3 against the Astros. Banister said the hamstring has improved to the point where Gallo can play the outfield rather than being limited to first base.
• Shortstop Elvis Andrus was presented with the Rangers' Heart and Hustle Award prior to the game by former teammate Michael Young.