Red Sox Trade Rumors: Jake Peavy, Jesse Crain Heading To Fenway?

Standing atop the AL East by 1.5 games, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly in the market for a starter and a reliever with the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline a week away.

Boston and four other teams will be in Chicago throughout the weekend to scout White Sox starter Jake Peavy and rehabbing righty reliever Jesse Crain, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Despite owning first place in their division, the Red Sox trail New York and Tampa Bay with a 3.85 team ERA, and have surrendered the third most walks in the AL with 353.

Crain last pitched on June 29 against Cleveland, giving up three hits and one earned run to five batters. Since then, he went on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain.

The 32-year-old All-Star did complete a 33-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday before Chicago’s game against Detroit, and he will have another on Thursday, as reported by MLB.com.

Before the injury Crain was having a terrific year, with a 0.74 ERA in 38 games. That kind of production could help Boston setup men Junichi Tazawa and Craig Breslow, who have a combined 27 holds this season.

The Braves, Dodgers, Reds, and Diamondbacks will reportedly also have scouts in attendance to evaluate Crain and Peavy.

Peavy just came off the DL, and could help Boston if Clay Buchholz neck injury continues to be an issue, according to CBS Sports. The report pinpointed St. Louis as one of the main competitors to Boston for Peavy, who has gone 7-4 with a 4.19 ERA this season.

Peavy was out more than one month but returned on July 20, and earned a win over Atlanta with seven scattered hits and two earned runs over six innings of work. Sixty-six of his 96 pitches were for strikes.

Anyone looking to add Peavy will have to consider the $14.5 million left on his contract next season, as well as the $15 million player option he holds for 2015.