Though it’s not quite , MLB trade rumors are getting closer as Memorial Day approaches. Nobody is here to cast doubt on the veracity of any of the reporting done by the people who broke each of these tales first. A team will frequently express interest in a player; this does not negate their interest in the player even if they decide not to sign him. This is an attempt to take reliable rumors and determine the likelihood that they will materialize. Having said that, here is the most recent BS Meter (low, medium, or high) on MLB rumors.
The rumor: “Atlanta is keeping a close eye on Tampa Bay Rays veteran starter Zach Eflin if they decide they need another starter at the trade deadline,” said Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Low on the BS Meter Reynaldo López hasn’t pitched more than 66 innings in a season since 2019, Chris Sale and Max Fried have each had their fair share of ailments in the past, while Spencer Strider is out for the season. The Braves’ president of baseball operations, Alex Anthopoulos, seems to be debating whether adding one pitcher before the trade deadline will suffice or if he has to add several arms. Adding a right-hander like Eflin would make sense, as Fried and Sale are both left-handed and Strider is done for the year.
One thing to keep in mind is that, unlike Fried and Sale, Eflin has never completed an ironman. It was only the second time in his career that he had more than 24 starts in a single season, with the 31 starts he made for the Tampa Bay Rays last season. Eflin’s health history is something the Braves will undoubtedly take into consideration, since the Rays placed him on the 15-day injured list on Monday due to lower back discomfort. However, a healthy Eflin would be among the more fascinating pitchers on the market if the Rays are out of anything. Given that he played for parts of seven years with the division rival Philadelphia Phillies and that the two clubs may very probably face off in the playoffs, Atlanta would be an especially intriguing destination.
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