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Report: Phillies considering Boyd, MadBum, others for rotation help

Will Newton / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking for reinforcements in the rotation, and desperate times may call for desperate measures.

The Phillies are in talks with left-hander Drew Smyly, a source told Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia. Smyly opted out of his minor-league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

Smyly was released by the Texas Rangers in late June after going 1-5 with an 8.42 ERA in 51 1/3 innings.

The 30-year-old isn't the only pitcher the Phillies are monitoring. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the club has reportedly been in touch with the San Francisco Giants about Madison Bumgarner, the Detroit Tigers regarding Matthew Boyd, and the Texas Rangers about Mike Minor.

Philadelphia has also considered kicking the tires on Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke, Salisbury adds.

Phillies starters have posted a combined 4.60 ERA and 5.07 FIP over 532 1/3 innings this season. Ace Aaron Nola has been the squad's most reliable starter, going 8-2 with a 3.63 ERA across 20 starts.

Zach Eflin has been solid and Jake Arrieta has eaten innings. The latter, however, has bone spurs in his elbow that could hamper his ability to play through the end of the season. And none of Nick Pivetta, Vince Velasquez, or Jerad Eickhoff have been able to provide consistent results.

The Phillies moved to 50-47 this season with a 7-6 win over the Dodgers on Thursday, but they sit in third place in the National League East behind the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals.

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