Giants trade rumors: Club has ‘been aggressive’ in search for reliever, outfielder

San Francisco has “been aggressive” in its search for relief and outfield help in the absence of Hunter Pence, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

The Giants’ relief unit has collectively pitched to a 3.85 ERA, which ranks 15th in baseball and sixth in the National League. They have a six and a half game lead on the Dodgers, whose bullpen ERA ranks second in the NL.

San Francisco has scouted Twins relievers Fernando Abad and Kevin Jepsen, who should be available in the coming weeks and would likely help the unit.

Minnesota is 28 games under five-hundred and “never expected to be this bad,” according to Cafardo, which could put them in a position to sell ahead of the deadline.

Abad, 30, has pitched to a 2.28 ERA and 2.76 FIP over 23.2 innings. Jepsen has pitched to a 5.46 ERA and 5.60 FIP over 28.0 innings to complement seven saves.

While the Giants want to upgrade their bullpen, they also have interest in adding an outfielder, since Pence went down with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss at least eight weeks.

The Giants have been connected to Ryan Braun in trade talks with Milwaukee, but it’s unclear whether the Brewers have interest in moving him.

San Diego could make Matt Kemp available, though he might not be San Francisco’s first choice after batting .255 through 69 games. Carl Crawford, who the Dodgers released this week, could be another option to join the Giants’ outfield.