The Yankees have been linked to another pitcher.
New York sent scouts to watch Rangers left-hander Mike Minor’s start against the Astros this weekend and the team has some level of interest in him, according to the Dallas Morning News.
The Yankees farm system is “deep enough to intrigue the Rangers” about a potential deal, the report says.
The Rangers are “increasingly likely” to move Minor — who allowed four earned runs and struck out 10 in seven innings of work against Houston — before the July 31 trade deadline, according to an earlier report from MLB Network.
Mike Minor, Filthy 87mph Changeup. 😷 pic.twitter.com/ohQP7OEbx5
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 20, 2019
“I feel like ever since I signed it’s been a topic,” Minor said last week about the rumors, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “It’s almost like I signed just so they could trade me.”
The left-hander made his first All-Star team earlier this month and is in the middle of a career season. He holds an 8-5 record with a 2.86 ERA in 20 starts so far in 2019.
The Rangers have lost seven in a row and finished play Sunday seven games out of the second American League wild-card spot with a 50-49 record. Minor signed a three-year, $28 million deal with the team in December 2017.
“We’ve been playing well all season,” Minor said earlier this month. “Anytime that we lose a couple games, they’re supposedly ready to deal guys when we have 2 1/2 months left in the season. I don’t think that it helps when I go home, and I have neighbors asking me about it, too.”
The Yankees are looking to add at least one starter this month and they reportedly also could explore trading for Marcus Stroman, Trevor Bauer, Madison Bumgarner, Zack Wheeler or Robbie Ray.
The Brewers, Phillies and Braves are both reportedly considering pursuing Minor, as well.