Entering their Friday evening matchup against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park, the Philadelphia Phillies pitching staff's 4.91 ERA since May 30 ranked as the third-worst in baseball, and the second-worst in the National League.
While there are plenty of internal options vying to soon return to the majors — Pat Neshek, Jerad Eickhoff, Edubray Ramos and Luis Garcia to name a few — to club continues to also look externally, as next month's July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is fast approaching.
Tuesday morning on SiriusXM's "GM & Co-Mish" show, Phillies Vice President and General Manager Matt Klentak said he will do "everything" he can to help the Phillies "in ways that make sense," in the best interest of balancing both the short- and long-term.
Read: Kapler: Phillies GM Klentak Is 'Excellent Evaluator, Dealmaker'
According to two Friday reports from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Fancred Sports' Jon Heyman, the Phillies are doing just that — checking in on both Detroit Tigers starter RHP Michael Fulmer and San Diego Padres relievers.
Per Rosenthal, the Phillies, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are "among the teams that have checked in on Fulmer," the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year. Heyman reported on Thursday that the Tigers are unlikely to part ways with the three-year veteran, however, as the club is "treating him like a No. 2 starter."
Fulmer is under club control for at least the next three seasons, as he does not become arbitration eligible until 2023. Through 67 career starts, the right-hander is 24-26 with a 3.62 ERA, 326-112 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 1.163 WHIP spanning 418 innings.
Read: Royals ‘Peeking In’ on Phillies Prospects As Clubs Discuss Moustakas Trade
The Padres have "talked to many teams" — including the Phillies — mostly about their pitching, according to Heyman. Sitting in last place in the National League West, Heyman said the Padres are "expected to be extremely active" in trade talks leading up to the July 31 deadline.
With the Padres reportedly drawing interest in Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco, there could be a match between both clubs if San Diego is willing to part ways with at least one of their effective relief arms — Brad Hand, Kirby Yates and/or Craig Stammen.
The Phillies are among the most mentioned teams involved in trade rumors thus far. Clearly, Klentak and the rest of the Phillies brass are looking to improve the club in many facets, collectively seeking the Phillies' first postseason run in seven years.
