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Tampa Bay’s controllable starting pitchers continue to draw interest in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline, and the Dodgers have started pursuing Chris Archer, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
The Dodgers’ starting pitching staff has posted a 3.80 ERA, which ranks fifth in the National League, but the club is without Clayton Kershaw and enters play Sunday two games behind the Giants in the National League West.
Archer, 27, is having his worst season since 2012, pitching to a 4.42 ERA and 4.05 FIP over 130.1 innings with the Rays. However, he’s pitched to a career 3.54 ERA and isn’t eligible for free agency until 2020.
The Rays reportedly have high asking prices for their starters and that might not change given the market for starting pitching. With Drew Pomeranz and Andrew Cashner off the board, Tampa Bay is one of few teams with coveted starting pitchers under club control.
Los Angeles could also consider adding Matt Moore and Jake Odorizzi, who are also having inconsistent seasons.
The Dodgers have been linked to Chris Sale, and while the White Sox might be open to trading Sale before Monday, Los Angeles’ talks with Chicago haven’t progressed, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.