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MLB Trade Deadline Digest: Mets join pursuit of Jay Bruce
The Stew’s Trade Deadline Digest recaps the day in news and rumors as MLB gets closer to the non-waiver trade deadline on Aug. 1. If you missed any of Thursday’s action, we’re here to help you catch up with all the important links and tidbits.
OFFENSE NEEDED: With Jonathan Lucroy looking less likely for the Mets, they’ve now become “very involved” on Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. [@m_sheldon]
DONE DEAL: The Nationals acquired three-time All-Star closer Mark Melancon from the Pirates. [Big League Stew]
NATIONAL RELIEF: Yahoo Sports’ Tim Brown breaks down the Nationals bullpen situation and why Melancon was needed. [Yahoo Sports]
MRI PENDING: Likely trade candidate Wade Davis is headed back to Kansas City for an MRI on his elbow. [@JeffPassan]
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DONE DEAL: In a swap of bad contracts, the Padres have shipped Matt Kemp to the Braves in exchange for Hector Olivera. [Big League Stew]
GOOD AS GONE: Speaking of the Padres, catcher Derek Norris is a “near lock” to be traded ahead of Monday’s deadline. He’s now seen as a more realistic option for the Rangers than Jonathan Lucroy. [@Ken_Rosenthal]
NO DEAL: The much discussed Vince Velasquez to Texas trade is losing steam and now considered unlikely. [@jcrasnick]
NEVER GIVE UP: The Rangers and Red Sox still haven’t given up their pursuit of Chris Sale, though it’s still unlikely he’s dealt. [@georgeofman]
CATCHER’S MARKET: The New York Yankees are gauging trade interest in catcher Brian McCann, which could give teams needing a catcher a solid fallback option. [Today’s Knuckleball]
DONE DEAL: The A’s shipped speedy outfielder Billy Burns to Kansas City in exchange for major-league outfielder Brett Eibner. [A’s on Twitter]
GOING NOWHERE: The A’s have made it clear that ace Sonny Gray is “going nowhere” at the trade deadline. [Today’s Knuckleball]
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
