The Phillies are reported to be “very aggressive” in pursuing pitching help at the deadline, following every lead they get. They are hoping to resuscitate their playoff hopes with less than two weeks remaining before the trade deadline hits. However, the club could add through free agency rather than trade.
Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported, and Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer confirmed that the team is interested in signing free-agent starting pitcher Drew Smyly. He became a free agent after opting out of his minor-league deal with the Brewers Thursday.