Milwaukee’s lead in NC Central went from 5.5 to 1 game in 7 days.
The July 31 trade deadline is approaching as fast as the Milwaukee Brewers lead in the NL Central is dwindling.
Rumors are stirring that Milwaukee is interested in both Detroit starter Justin Verlander and New York Mets closer Addison Reed, along with another reliever.
The 34-year-old Verlander, who is guaranteed $56 million through next season, is 5-7 this season with a 4.54 ERA. He has 111 strikeouts and 55 walks in 117 innings.
The rumor was reported by the Detroit Free Press. Also, the Tigers, apparently, might be willing to include cash in any deal for Verlander.
As for Reed, who inherited the closing role during the season, the 28-year-old has 16 saves in 18 opportunities with a 2.40 ERA.
Acquiring Reed, Milwaukee’s interest, first reported by Newsday, would be a rental. He’s a free agent at the end of the season.
The interest from the Brewers is a peculiar one, though quality relief pitchers always come in handy. Milwaukee had one all-star this season, its closer, Corey Knebel.
At the all-star break, the Brewers had a 5.5-game lead on the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals in the division.
Seven days later, that lead is down to just one game, as Milwaukee lost its fifth consecutive game Thursday — 4-2 to Pittsburgh — and are 2-5 so far this second half.
Verlander isn’t the only Detroit pitcher the Brewers are reportedly after.
Milwaukee is among three teams looking at lefty Justin Wilson, as well, according to the MLB Network.
The 29-year-old reliever has a 2.75 ERA in 36 innings with 50 strikeouts.
Wilson, who is signed for $2.7 million this season, will enter his final year of arbitration next season before becoming a free agent.