Report: Marlins target Pineda, Hellickson in starter search
The Miami Marlins need starting pitching help to stay in the playoff race, and they're apparently leaving no stone unturned in that quest.
Miami has reportedly inquired about several pitchers, most notably Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Jeremy Hellickson and New York Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda, sources tell Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Pineda is perhaps the more surprising name given that he's not a lock to even be on the market. Though the Yankees are leaning heavily towards becoming sellers at this year's deadline - with rumors swirling around the future of veterans Andrew Miller, Aroldis Chapman, and Carlos Beltran - Morosi indicates that general manager Brian Cashman may not be ready to move Pineda, who has another year of arbitration remaining, just yet.
Since arriving in the Bronx in 2012 Pineda has struggled to live up to the potential he showed during his rookie season in Seattle amid injuries and other struggles. The 27-year-old owns a 5.56 ERA and 1.365 WHIP over 18 starts this year, but that doesn't tell the whole story; his 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings lead the American League, while his 119 strikeouts rank sixth in the junior circuit.
Related: Cashman having both buyer, seller conversations
Hellickson, who will be a free agent at season's end, could be dealt by the rebuilding Phillies even though they sit eight games out of a wild-card spot. The Marlins will be able to scout the 29-year-old, who owns a 4.03 ERA and 98 strikeouts over 19 starts this year, up close when he pitches against them Wednesday.
San Diego Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner was also linked to the Marlins by Morosi's sources.
The Marlins enter play Tuesday holding the second National League wild-card spot. They're expected to make at least one trade if not more before the Aug. 1 deadline, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Starting pitching is a major area of need for the team, as the staff owns a collective 4.24 ERA despite the brilliance of Jose Fernandez.