Rumor roundup: Hamels market taking shape
The non-waiver Trade Deadline is less than two weeks away, which means time is growing short for contenders that want to acquire help for the playoff race.
As trade talks heat up, here's a look at the biggest news and rumors from around the league:
• The Dodgers, Rangers, Red Sox, Cubs and Orioles are among the teams that sent scouts to observe Cole Hamels' start against the Marlins on Sunday, according to CBSSports.com. Los Angeles, Texas and Chicago are among the nine clubs not covered by Hamels' no-trade clause. The Phillies left-hander, owed at least $84 million through the 2018 season, surrendered five runs over three innings on Sunday after allowing nine runs over 3 1/3 innings in his final start of the first half. Those two outings have pushed his ERA from 3.02 to 3.91.
• The Orioles would like to add an outfielder and have looked into acquiring the Padres' Justin Upton and the Brewers' Carlos Gomez, according to FOXSports.com. Upton, a free agent after this season, is hitting .252/.331/.426 with 15 home runs, 49 RBIs and 17 steals in his first season in San Diego. He left Sunday's game against the Rockies in the fifth inning, before it was rained out, with a sore left oblique.
Gomez, a center fielder, is under contract for 2016 at $9 million. He's batting .268/.329/.440 with eight homers, 41 RBIs and seven steals.
• FOXSports.com also reported that the Yankees and Dodgers were among the teams scouting Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto on Sunday, when he walked six and gave up two runs in four innings against the Indians. Cueto, a free agent after this season, still has a 2.79 ERA. Meanwhile, the Angels also had a scout in Cincinnati, but to watch Reds outfielder Jay Bruce, who is hitting .252/.338/.468 with 14 homers and 37 RBIs. He is owed $12.5 million next season, then has a club option for 2017.
• Along the same lines, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that when it comes to the Reds, "The fire sale is in full swing." Other than third baseman Todd Frazier, pretty much everyone is available, with Cueto, Bruce, starter Mike Leake, closer Aroldis Chapman, outfielder Marlon Byrd and catcher Brayan Pena among the most likely trade candidates.