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The Nationals have interest in Rangers starter Yu Darvish, according to a report from MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. Morosi notes that Washington would prefer a controllable starter in any trade.
It’s still unclear if the Rangers will actually trade Darvish before Monday’s trade deadline, though they seem to be at least considering it. The All-Star righty has been consistently linked to the Cubs, Yankees and Dodgers in rumors but may stand pat if Texas decides to pursue a playoff berth this year.
Washington is known to be interested in starting depth after injuries to Joe Ross, who is out for the season, and Stephen Strasburg, who appears fine at the moment but could be a concern down the road. The Nats already made one significant move in acquiring relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson from Oakland a couple weeks ago and are still searching for high-end bullpen help in addition to starters.
Darvish, 30, owns a 3.44 ERA and 9.7 K/9 in 21 starts this season in his second year back from Tommy John surgery. He is one of the top three starters being discussed in advance of the deadline, joining Oakland’s Sonny Gray and Detroit’s Justin Verlander.