Jays, Rangers front-runners to get Garza: report
Posted July 15, 2013 7:41 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Toronto Blue Jays are the front-runners, along with the Texas Rangers, to land Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, according to ESPNChicago.com’s Bruce Levine.
The Blue Jays were among numerous teams reportedly scouting the right-hander during his start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night. The other clubs watching Garza included the aforementioned Rangers, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles.
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Garza, who has been traded twice in his career already, will likely be dealt before his next start, which is scheduled for July 22 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The 29-year-old pitched 6 2/3 innings Saturday, giving up 10 hits and two runs for his sixth win of the season. His victory improved his record to 6-1 with a 3.17 ERA in 11 starts on the 2013 campaign.
Toronto and Texas, who were the front-runners for the Cubs’ ace in 2012 before an elbow injury ended his season, have reportedly had multiple scouts in attendance for Garza’s last three starts.
Garza is in the final year of his contract and can petition for free agency in November.
