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Report: Indians among several teams inquiring about Pearce

Jason O. Watson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Cleveland Indians sit 5 1/2 games ahead of the Detroit Tigers for the American League Central lead thanks to their formidable starting pitching, so the team has set their focus on adding a bat as the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

Cleveland is among several teams inquiring about Tampa Bay Rays utility player Steve Pearce, reports the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

The 33-year-old is having a great first season in Tampa, amassing a .313/.386/.530 hitting line with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs, so the interest from multiple teams is warranted, especially considering his $4.75-million price tag

He also hits left-handed pitching well, posting a 1.212 OPS against southpaws, which is an area the Indians are prioritizing, according to Sherman.

Sherman also believes if the Indians aren't the team to acquire the veteran slugger, he will inevitably be traded somewhere.

Pearce spent the first seven years of his career moving from team to team around the bigs before breaking out with the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 when he hit 21 home runs and added 49 RBIs for the club in 102 games.

He regressed last season hitting just .218/.289/.422, but his power was appealing enough for the Rays to sign him to a one-year deal, and so far it's paid off.

Over the course of his 10-year career, the veteran owns a .256/.333/.443 slash line with 63 home runs and 209 RBIs.

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