MLB rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Robbie Ray
1. Philadelphia Phillies
Morosi also reported the Phillies have entered the mix with recent interest in Ray, and with good reason. Jake Arrieta has not pitched well this year (4.54 ERA, 6.9 K/9), and now he’s trying to pitch with a bone spur in his throwing elbow. That feels like an IL stint waiting to happen.
Aaron Nola has been very good lately, with a 0.76 ERA and a .151 opponent’s batting average over his last five starts, and he’s a legit top-end of the rotation starter when he’s right. Zach Eflin has been fine, with a 3.78 ERA, but his FIP (4.66) is a concerning sign for looming correction and Nick Pivetta has fallen flat with a 6.99 ERA over his last handful of starts.
Ray would slide right in behind Nola as the Philadelphia’s proverbial No. 2 starter, while also becoming the lone left-hander.
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The Phillies are 8.5 games back in the NL East (entering Monday), but they hold the second Wild Card with five teams currently within three games. So moves to fortify the pitching staff before the deadline, with the rotation and/or an injury-riddled bullpen sitting as fairly equal needs, has to be on the radar. Their playoff chances quite literally ride on adding a capable arm or two.