Gallardo says trade rumors not a distraction

ARLINGTON -- Rangers right-hander Yovani Gallardo hasn't made it past the fourth inning in his past two starts despite being red hot through June. But Gallardo, who is 7-9 with a 3.19 ERA, said his name coming up in trade rumors has nothing to do with it.

"It's not a distraction," Gallardo said. "I just had two bad starts in a row. It just happened to be in July."

At the same time, Gallardo knows his contract is up at the end of the year. He understands the business side of the game, and he realizes his immediate future is uncertain. Clubs have expressed interest in Gallardo leading up to Friday's 3 p.m. CT non-waiver Trade Deadline, and there is still at least an outside chance he could be moved before Thursday's start against the Yankees. That start could also determine clubs' interest before the deadline.

"I've thought about it," Gallardo said. "I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about it at all. I have. I think it's one of those things where it's out of my control. Like I said, this is my last year in my contract, and I have to go out there and perform."

This isn't Gallardo's first experience with Trade Deadline drama. Two years ago with the Brewers, Gallardo's name popped up in midseason talks, but he was never traded. This offseason, though, Gallardo was traded to the Rangers in January in exchange for three Minor Leaguers.

"It happened when I least thought it would," he said. "That's just how this game is and how this business is."

This circumstance is a bit different for Gallardo because the move to Texas brought him back close to his family. Gallardo was born in Mexico but grew up Fort Worth, and the trade allows him to spend the season close to home for the first time in his career.

He said if he were to be traded, it's not like his family isn't used to not having him around. But that doesn't mean the family isn't curious, if not concerned, about the future.

"My dad, he just wants to know what's going on," Gallardo said. "Have I heard anything? Am I staying, am I going? I tell him I wish I knew, but I really don't."

Gallardo said he would prefer to stay with the Rangers, but if he were to be traded, he wouldn't hold it against the organization. In the game of hypotheticals, he said he could envision coming back even if he doesn't finish the year in Texas.

For now, Gallardo said the only type of location he is worried about involves commanding a baseball.

"I'm at a point in my career where I'm a free agent this year, and I'm gonna pitch," Gallardo said. "I'm gonna pitch no matter where it's at, whether it's here or somewhere else, and I think that's the most important."

Worth noting

• Catcher Carlos Corporan took batting practice on the field Wednesday for the first time since going on the disabled list with a left thumb sprain retroactive to July 13. Corporan could begin a rehab assignment in the next few days.

• Derek Holland (shoulder injury) will throw two innings or up to 35 pitches Thursday when he makes a rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock.

• Class A Spokane Indians outfielder LeDarious Clark, second baseman Dylan Moore and infielder Yeyson Yrizarri were selected to the Northwest League All-Star Team.