Report: Astros interested in Robbie Ray, Matt Barnes

The Houston Astros, along with several other clubs, are reportedly interested in Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray, according to Eno Sarris and Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic.

The Astros also contacted the Boston Red Sox regarding right-handed reliever Matt Barnes, Sarris and Ghiroli added.

Ray, 28, will hit free agency after the 2020 season ends. The left-hander has flashed elite strikeout ability, possessing a career 28.7% K rate, but struggles with control at times. His 20.1% walk rate this season is last in the majors among starters who have at least 30 innings pitched. The former All-Star is also allowing 2.61 home runs per nine innings and owns a 7.84 ERA and 7.25 FIP while throwing 31 innings over seven starts this year.

The Diamondbacks - expected to field a somewhat competitive roster after a surprisingly strong 2019 campaign - entered Friday at 13-19, 10 1/2 back of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and last place in their division.

Barnes, 30, is one of the remaining pieces in the Red Sox bullpen after a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies purged both Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree earlier this month.

The right-hander is under contract through 2021 and, like Ray, has also been struggling with control. Barnes has allowed 10 runs - eight earned - on 11 hits and nine walks. Additionally, his 15 strikeouts over 12 relief innings, while notching two saves, equate to a 6.00 ERA and 6.65 FIP.

Entering Friday, the Astros pitching staff ranked 15th in the majors, according to FanGraphs WAR. The team has dealt with injuries to ace Justin Verlander and closer Roberto Osuna, as well as relievers Chris Devenski, Josh James, and Brad Peacock.