The Texas Rangers are trying to negotiate a trade for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The #marlins are leaving no doubt that they intend to trade Josh Johnson w #Rangers still heavy in talks
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 27, 2012
We learned yesterday the Rangers were targeting Johnson, but now he has become the team's focus with Zack Greinke off the market thanks to the division rival Los Angeles Angels. Miami's asking price is said to be extremely high for Johnson, who is signed through next season.
Johnson is 6-7 with a 4.14 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 7.9 K/9. The 28-year-old right-hander has struggled on the road, however, posting a 5.48 ERA. Johnson has had some success pitching against the American League, as he holds an 8-3 record and 2.95 ERA over 17 interleague starts.
Johnson missed nearly the entire 2011 season with a shoulder injury. The two-time All-Star and 2010 National League ERA champ hasn't missed a single start this year.
The Rangers lead the Angels by four games in the AL West. The teams still have 10 head-to-head games left on the schedule, including a four-game that begins Monday. Greinke's will make his first start for the Angels tomorrow.
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Do the Rangers have to make a move in response to the Angels' acquisition of Zack Greinke ?
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