Report: Dodgers 'investigating' every top available starter - Price, Lester, Hamels, Lackey
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The first-place Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for a starting pitcher, and they're reportedly interested in all of the better ones thought to be available before the July 31 trade deadline:
Maybe it goes without saying, but sources say the #Dodgers are investigating every top available starter - Price, Lester, Hamels, Lackey.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2014
It was reported earlier Monday that the Dodgers are thought to be the most likely landing spot for Boston Red Sox left-handed starter Jon Lester. A Sunday report had the Red Sox considering acquiring Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp - and his massive contract - among others in a potential Lester deal. In other words: there's smoke here.
Related: 3 team needs for the Dodgers leading up to the trade deadline
The Tampa Bay Rays won again Monday night, their 19th win in 24 games, so your guess as to whether the club will trade ace David Price is as good as Mr. Rosenthal's. At this point, no one knows. The Rays are 4 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the second Wild Card spot in the American League heading into Tuesday's action. They're hardly finished.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, will reportedly deal both Lester and John Lackey for the right price. Boston was pummelled 14-1 on Monday night at home by the Blue Jays, and are 8 1/2 games back in the Wild Card race. They're looking more and more like sellers, thanks to their -48 run differential.
Rosenthal has more on the Dodgers' aggressive pitching pursuit:
One thing to remember with #Dodgers: Greinke can opt out of his deal after the 2015 season and become a free agent.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2014
This we know: We're in store for a wild few days leading up to the deadline.