Peavy Pulled From Tonight's Start - Could A Trade Be Near?

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 30, 2013 9:10PM

The White Sox Monday trade of reliever Jesse Crain to the Rays was only the start of what could possibly be an uptick in activity for the ballclub as Wednesday’s non-waiver trade deadline nears.

All eyes are on Jake Peavy right now. The former Cy Young winner was scratched from his start tonight as general manager Rick Hahn works on a deal that could send the starter to a team looking for a pitcher for a late playoff run. According to the Tribune’s Mark Gonzales, the Arizona Diamondbacks have emerged as the favorites to land Peavy.

The Diamondbacks' staff has a long association with Peavy from their days in San Diego. General manager Kevin Towers and Peavy are long-time friends. Arizona special assistant Barry Axelrod is Peavy's former agent.

Special assignment scout Bill Bryk has seen Peavy pitch several times this season. Jerry Krause, one of Towers' top aides, watched Peavy pitch Thursday against Detroit.

Peavy said Arizona would be a "comfortable fit" because of those connections.

Other teams interested in Peavy’s services are Boston, Oakland and St. Louis. If the Sox can’t finalize a trade, Peavy will start Wednesday against Cleveland. But he's regarded as the top starter on the trade market right now, so he could be as good as gone if the Sox receive the value they're looking for in return.

The Sox called up pitcher Andre Rienzo from Triple-A Charlotte to start tonight’s game against the Indians. Rienzo will make history by becoming the first Brazilian to pitch in the majors. He’s allowed four runs on 11 hits while striking out 28 in 29 1/3 innings in four starts in Charlotte, is considered one of the Sox’ top pitching prospects and will receive an extended look with the ballclub even if Peavy remains with the team.