Report: Blue Jays may be close to trading Liriano
Francisco Liriano might find himself involved in a trade for the second time in as many years.
The club continues to gauge interest from teams for the left-hander Francisco Liriano and may be close to trading him, two sources told Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the Kansas City Royals were in talks with the Blue Jays for the veteran starter. The Royals have also expressed interest in Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada.
Liriano, who was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the wee hours of last year's trade deadline, has struggled to perform in his first full season north of the border.
The 33-year-old, who missed time this season with a shoulder injury, has posted a 5.99 ERA in 17 starts. Control issues have plagued Liriano once again this year, entering Thursday with a 4.9 BB/9, which is his highest rate since 2012.
Liriano is in the final year of a three-year, $39-million extension he signed with the Pirates ahead of 2015.