The Tampa Bay Rays were surging before the first half but have cooled off, losing seven of their last 10 games.
The Rays are now 10 games back from the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the American League East and two-and-a-half games back from the third AL Wild Card spot.
Though still in the Wild Card race, given how the Rays typically go about trades, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that the Rays are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline.
“The Rays, who appeared to be gathering momentum a month ago, are now just a game over .500, and given the organization’s longstanding focus on maximizing the value of their players, some rival evaluators think they could now be considering dealing some pieces away,” wrote Olney.
Right-hander Zack Littell is on an expiring contract and Chad Jennings of The Athletic predicts he will be on the move in the coming days.
Littell, 29, has had a great season with Tampa Bay. He is 8-8 with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 21 starts, with 13 being quality.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“With Shane McClanahan due back from injury, the Rays could soon have six starters for five spots,” wrote Jennings. “The Rays could choose to simply stay the course, appreciate such depth, and make modest moves, but if they want to be a little more aggressive — both in the short term and long term — they could trade from their pitching depth, which could mean trading Littell, who’s having another strong season but also approaching free agency.”
The Rays have been known to buy and sell at the trade deadline and the trend may continue this season.
More MLB: Mets actively searching center field market, scouting two former All-Stars
