What happened: Jeff Passan identified Adrian Morejon as the most realistic San Diego Padres target for the Pittsburgh Pirates, while Ryan Zeferjahn surfaced as a lower-profile option from the Los Angeles Angels. Mason Miller and Adley Rutschman were characterized as less likely fits, with the New York Yankees viewed as the favorite for Rutschman.
Why it matters: The bullpen is Pittsburgh’s clearest deadline need as the club remains in the NL wild-card hunt. San Diego sits 1.5 games out of a wild-card spot, reducing the likelihood that it parts with Miller.
By the numbers: Morejon has eight wins, a 3.14 ERA and 64 strikeouts this season. Zeferjahn has a 3.78 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 44 appearances, an average of 1.61 per outing.
What to watch: Watch whether Pittsburgh converts its bullpen search into a deal by Aug. 3 and whether San Diego’s wild-card position affects its willingness to listen.