The Kansas City Royals are in talks with the Toronto Blue Jays about acquiring starting pitcher Francisco Liriano, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Liriano, a pending free agent, has struggled mightily this season, but is coming off a stellar outing against the Oakland Athletics on Monday in which he allowed two runs on two hits in five innings, lowering his ERA to 5.99.
The Royals, who sit just 1.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians in the American League Central, bolstered their bullpen and rotation Monday in a six-player deal that brought them starter Trevor Cahill, closer Brandon Maurer and reliever Ryan Buchter. But according to several reports, they’re still looking to add one more starting pitcher.
Toronto right-hander Marco Estrada, who starts Wednesday night against the A’s, has also been linked to Kansas City.
Darvish’s list
As rumours continue to surround Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish prior to the trade deadline, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports the Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs are among teams on his no-trade list.
This doesn’t mean Darvish can’t be traded to those clubs; he just needs to approve any move.
It’s no guarantee that the pending free agent will be dealt, however. The Rangers have won four of their past five, sit 3.5 games behind a wild-card spot and have reportedly set a high asking price for Darvish.
Grand time
New York Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson is drawing increased interest, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
The 36-year-old is slashing just .224/.326/.452 in 328 plate appearances this season, but could be a useful bench option, notes Heyman.
The left-handed hitter has played in 51 post-season games during his time with the Detroit Tigers, Yankees and Mets. Granderson’s in the final season of a four-year, $60-million contract.
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