The Boston Red Sox entered the All-Star break 49-41 and nine games back of the New York Yankees in the AL East, but they are apparently not giving up on trying to improve enough to make another postseason run.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Red Sox are motivated to add a starting pitcher as the trade deadline nears, and they are exploring several options.
#RedSox pushing to add a starting pitcher, sources tell The Athletic. Would prefer to act sooner rather than later. Casting wide net.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 8, 2019
The Red Sox have decided they are going to use Nathan Eovaldi as their closer when he returns from the injured list at some point in the coming weeks, and they are hoping that helps solve some of their bullpen issues. However, it leaves the fifth spot in their starting rotation wide open.
Boston currently has Chris Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello, and Eduardo Rodriguez locked into its rotation, but they need a fifth starter. Their farm system is not very deep because of some trades they have made in recent years, so it seems more likely that they will target a midline starter rather than going after an ace.
We know of at least one proven starting pitcher who is likely to be moved before the deadline, but the Red Sox may look at less flashy moves.
