Reds scratch Bruce amid Dodgers, Mets rumors

With trade winds picking up steam hours before Monday's trade deadline, the Cincinnati Reds altered their lineup for Sunday's game against San Diego and scratched Jay Bruce amid rumors that the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, among others, are circling in a possible trade for the All-Star outfielder.

Manager Bryan Price told reporters that the move was made simply to give Bruce a day off.

The Dodgers have been seeking a bat for some time and their name has been connected to Bruce for several weeks. On Friday night there were reports that the 29-year-old was Hollywood bound as part of a three-team blockbuster that ultimately fell apart.

The Mets, meanwhile, are desperate to add a bat as their offense and injury woes continue to mount, and have had interest in Bruce for some time. They first tried to trade for Bruce last July and came close to acquiring him at that time before the deal was nixed.

Bruce can block trades to eight teams with his limited no-trade clause; neither the Mets nor Dodgers appear on that list.

Other teams looking at Bruce include the Cleveland Indians, who would like to grab a big bat after their trade for Jonathan Lucroy fell through Sunday morning, according to Cleveland.com's Paul Hoynes. Bruce does have Cleveland on his no-trade list.