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MLB rumors: Why writer believes Phillies, Braves must pursue trade for same pitcher
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- MLB rumors: Why writer believes Phillies, Braves must pursue trade for same pitcher
MLB rumors: Why writer believes Phillies, Braves must pursue trade for same pitcher appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
As rumors surround the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves ahead of the trade deadline, one writer believes the two ball clubs should target one specific player. While the trade rumors around the Phillies and the Braves will continue, there is no denying that both teams have around the same needs.
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David Schoenfield of ESPN argues that Philadelphia and Atlanta need another quality starter, with the one name that he throws out being Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan . While Schoenfield believes it "appears less likely" that Ryan is dealt with Minnesota being in the hunt for the AL Central, the Phillies need someone like the Twins star to pair with a pretty efficient rotation.
"They also need another starter to line up with Cristopher Sanchez , Zack Wheeler , and Jesus Luzardo , as Aaron Nola is unusable in a playoff series and Andrew Painter is back in the minors," Schoenfield wrote. "Put it this way: If you're going to beat the Dodgers , you're going to have shut them down, and that means adding a fourth quality starter. The Phillies and Twins struck a big deal last trade deadline for Jhoan Duran , so these front offices have worked together before."
The Braves' case for Joe Ryan
Looking at a team like the Braves, the starting rotation would see a downward trend in June with not just Spencer Strider heading to the injured list (IL), but also pitcher Bryce Elder struggling. Schoenfield would ask the uncomfortable question if Atlanta feels safe to start a second game in a playoff series, especially with Spencer Schwellenbach 's status still up in the air.
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"Once you get past Chris Sale , are the Braves comfortable with anybody else lining up to start the second game of a playoff series? Spencer Schwellenbach hasn't even begun a rehab assignment, so he remains out of the picture. Atlanta needs another front-line starter," Schoenfield wrote. "Ryan won't be cheap, as he is arguably the best starter who might be available aside from Skubal , plus he is under team control through 2027."
It remains to be seen if either team will pursue Ryan.
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