Rays acquire Jesse Crain from White Sox

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired right-handed reliever Jesse Crain from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for future considerations (players to be named later or cash considerations), according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney. The return is expected to be contingent based on Crain's recovery from his shoulder injury and number of appearances for the rest of the season.

Crain, 32, is 2-3 with a 0.74 ERA, 11.3 K/9, and 2.7 BB/9 in 36.2 innings of work on the season. He was named to the American League All-Star team for the first time this season, but was unable to pitch due to the shoulder strain that he suffered in early July.

Although Crain has been injured all month, he has still drawn interest as one of the top bullpen arms available on the trade market. The righty had drawn interest from the Red Sox, Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers, Reds and Rockies in recent weeks, and as of this morning there were two teams involved in trying to acquire him, according to ESPNChicago's Bruce Levine.

Crain could be traded today to One of two teams Tampa is the leading club. Complicated deal as compensation could depend on his performance

— Bruce Levine (@ESPNBruceLevine) July 29, 2013

Because Crain is not expected to return from the disabled list until sometime in August, the Rays are taking a risk by acquiring him now. His medicals looked good today, but Tampa Bay will likely be weary of a recurring problem with the shoulder after Crain suffered a setback last week.

If Crain comes back healthy and pitches for the Rays down the stretch, the White Sox will likely receive a couple of prospects from the Rays after the season. If the injury is a recurring problem, cash considerations are probably the more likely return.

Crain is the third important reliever to be traded today, joining Jose Veras, who is heading to Detroit, and the newest Brave, Scott Downs.

More from MLB Daily Dish:

• White Sox will not trade Chris Sale
• Braves acquire Scott Downs from Angels
• Rangers trade rumors: Joe Nathan available in search of offense
• Indians trade rumors: Cleveland has 'serious talks' for Rockies reliever Josh Outman
• Tigers acquire Jose Veras from Astros