The countdown to the MLB trade deadline, occurring on July 31, is underway. The flow of trades and rumors has started, and this article will keep you updated with the latest developments.

Rays in Holding Pattern

The Tampa Bay Rays are currently a game and a half behind the Seattle Mariners in the race for the last Wild Card spot in the American League. How they perform in the coming games will influence their strategy as the trade deadline approaches.

“We’ve got to make up some ground,” said Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander to the Tampa Bay Times. “There’s a belief in this team… These are big games that will influence our decisions as the month concludes.”
_Translation: “We’ve got to make up some ground,” said Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander to the Tampa Bay Times. “There’s a belief in this team… These are big games that will influence our decision-making as the month draws to a close.”

While the Rays are generally viewed as buyers, they have demonstrated a willingness to sell if postseason prospects seem bleak. If they decide to trade, players such as reliever Pete Fairbanks and second baseman Brandon Lowe could be on the trade block.

Braves, Rangers Announce Trade

In a recent move, the Atlanta Braves traded right-handed reliever José Ruiz and cash to the Texas Rangers in exchange for right-hander Dane Dunning.

Dunning, 30, has primarily started for the Rangers’ Triple-A team this season, averaging over 20 starts across the past three seasons with an ERA+ of 94. Following injuries to key starters like Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo López, Dunning may be called upon for emergency starts.

Ruiz has made 18 appearances this season, mostly with the Philadelphia Phillies, and possesses an ERA of 8.82, having surrendered 16 runs in just over 16 innings.