Latest pitching rumors as Twins' deadline to make trades approaches

What are the Twins going to do?

The Twins have until 3 p.m. today before the MLB trade deadline hits, and all eyes are on a constantly changing rumor mill with nearly every contender in search of pitching, be it starters or relievers. 

There is a bevy of talented relievers, including Padres closer Kirby Yates, whom the Twins have reportedly inquired about, but just a handful of higher-end starting pitchers: The Giants’ Madison Bumgarner, Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray, Rangers’ Mike Minor and Mets’ Zack Wheeler. 

Will the Twins end up with any of them?

2 P.M. UPDATE

Twins trade for minor league pitcher

A report from The Athletic's Robert Murray says the Twins have sent cash considerations to the Brewers for minor-league pitcher Marcos Diplan. 

#Brewers trading Marcos Diplan to #MNTwins for cash considerations, sources tell The Athletic.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 31, 2019

Diplan, , has a 4.99 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 30 appearances (5 starts) at Class AA this season. He's struck out 63 batters and walked 37 in 57.2 innings. 

12:56 P.M. UPDATE

MLB insider Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Yankees' discussions with the Diamondbacks about starting pitcher Robbie Ray are now dead. 

Team officials say that trade talks between the #Yankees and #Dbacks for starter Robbie Ray are now dead.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2019

12:10 P.M. UPDATE

Latest on Ken Giles

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Blue Jays hard-throwing reliever Ken Giles is picking up trade attention despite suffering from elbow inflammation. When healthy, Giles throws 100 mph and can be a dominant right-handed closer. 

#BlueJays’ Ken Giles remains in play after receiving a cortisone shot in his elbow yesterday. #Yankees, #Rays have at least inquired, sources say.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2019

Latest on Tigers starter Matthew Boyd

Jon Morosi reports that nothing is close to happening with the Tigers' lefty. 

Matthew Boyd isn’t close to being dealt anywhere, sources say. I’ll be curious to see if #Padres engage with #Tigers in next 3 hours, especially with Noah Syndergaard staying in New York, per @Joelsherman1. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2019

Here's the latest as of 12 p.m. (check back for updates)

Noah Syndergaard not being traded, Mets could deal Zack Wheeler

The Zack Wheeler market is said to be heating up, and if the Mets get what they want, they would pull the trigger. Noah is not going anywhere as was expected and @Joelsherman1 mentioned.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2019

Astros and Yankees inquiring about D-Backs lefty starter Robbie Ray

Told #Yankes and #Astros are inquiring on Robbie Ray #Diamondbacks

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2019

Meanwhile, Joel Sherman of the NY Post is indicating that the D-Backs are in no rush to trade Ray unless the price is right. That means the asking price is probably high. 

As opposed to yesterday when it became more and more obvious as day progressed that Bauer was being traded, not same vibe with Ray. #Diamondbacks will do if price met or re-consider in offseason.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2019

Bullpen trades may go down to the final hour

With so many contenders seeking bullpen upgrades (NYY, HOU, ATL, MIN, LAD, WAS among them), multiple execs believe the relief market will stretch into the final hour before 4pm ET. Teams shopping relievers trying to maximize their return.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2019

Giants listening to offers for relievers, ace Madison Bumgarner

The #SFGiants say its too close of a call this morning to know whether Madison Bumgarner is staying or going. They continue to listen to offers. They have such respect for Bumgarner, he could be brought in as part of the conversation as well.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2019

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal on Bumgarner's market: "The Twins, Nationals and Rays are the main contenders not on Bumgarner’s no-trade list; he can be traded to any of those clubs without restriction. Of those teams, only the Twins are believed to be in the mix."

The Yankees and Astros are also in on Bumgarner. 

Will be fascinating to see how today impacts outcome of American League in 2019. Both #Yankees and #Astros in on Bumgarner and Wheeler.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2019

#SFGiants currently telling teams they are leaning toward keeping MadBum and star reliever Will Smith. But things can change. 3 hours to go #TradeDeadline

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2019

Cleveland not done making trades?

Even after the Indians’ big trade last night, they are working on other possible deals

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 31, 2019