Pitchers were a high priority during the trade deadline and several teams were left empty handed at the July 31 deadline. Teams preparing for a big postseason run might be still be considering making a last minute move for any players placed on the waiver wire in the coming weeks. After not dealing any of the pitchers rumored to be available, the Philadelphia Phillies have placed several pitchers on the market in hopes of striking a deal.
According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies have placed AJ Burnett, Antonio Bastadro, Ryan Howard, Roberto Hernandez and Kyle Kendrick on waivers after the trade deadline. Most of those players were rumored to be available during the trading period, but the Phillies turned down all offers placed on them. That left several teams without starting pitching options and now will be seeking a deal with who is on the wire.
The New York Yankees are the first that could make a move on a pitcher. The team is currently in the hunt for the wild card in the American League, but just lost another starting pitcher for an unknown period of time. David Phelps went down with elbow inflammation and manager Joe Girardi was uncertain just how long that would leave the second-year pro out of the mix. That would be the fifth pitcher the Yankees have lost this season for either a chunk of time or the entire season. If Masahiro Tanaka or Michael Pineda are nowhere near coming back, players like Burnett or Kendrick might be the best option to add to the rotation.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are another team looking for a pitcher. The team was in the hunt for David Price, but ultimately lost that race to the Detroit Tigers. With one of the best pitching rotations in the league, the rich are aiming to get richer. While none of the Phillies' options match up to Price, they can be quality back-end guys for the playoffs.
The Phillies surprisingly did not make Cole Hamels available. The Phillies had reportedly been shopping him and Marlon Byrd during the trade period as well, but had no takers. Given Hamels' contract, it is not a shock no one made a move. However, Burnett and Kendrick are decent options and could help a playoff run.
