The Boston Red Sox have been toying with the idea of adding another pitcher to their rotation as they try and salvage a struggling season. While the team has scouted starters and relievers, they have yet to make a move on a player, but an injury could force the franchise's hand to trade. On Wednesday, starter Clay Buchholz received an elbow ejection and will now be shut down for weeks. Does this mean a trade is coming in Boston?
According to Gordon Edes of ESPN.com, the Red Sox announced that Buchholz received a platelet-rich plasma injection to his elbow to try and heal a strained flexor muscle. The pitcher was then placed on a 15-day disabled list and is expected to fly down to see Dr. James Andrews who treated his shoulder issues two years ago. The injury puts the Red Sox back in terms of their pitching as Jon Lester and Rick Porcello headline the rotation. If Boston was going to make a trade, now is the time to do so.
According to MassLive.com, the Red Sox are knee deep in the race to acquire players like Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto before the deadline. Players like Jeff Samardzija and James Shields have also been tossed around as options. With the playoffs feeling like a distant memory for Boston, the idea of getting a short-term rental might not be overly appealing to Boston, but they could easily re-sign any of those options next offseason.
The Boston Globe is reporting that the Red Sox are eyeing a reunion with Jonathan Papelbon. However, Jayson Stark of ESPN.com is reporting that there is little to no interest surrounding the closer at the moment as he continues to express his wish of being traded from the Phillies sooner rather than later. Stark believes there is a strong chance Papelbon stays put at the deadline despite all of the hype around his name.
According to OvertheMonster.com, the Red Sox have players that could gain interest at the deadline. While they do not have many veterans that will peak a team's attention, players like Koji Uehara could be an option. The closer has one year left on his contract which makes him a great trade piece. The Red Sox are still looking at players like Aroldis Chapman and Craig Kimbrel who could step in as the upgraded replacement. Shane Victorino and Mike Napoli could also find them the potential targets in trade deals coming up.