The Minnesota Twins are just a half-game back in the American League Central, giving them a better-than-expected shot at a postseason berth. The Twins' front office seems intent on making the most of the opportunity while it lasts.
To wit, the Twins are reportedly close to finalizing a trade with the Atlanta Braves that would bring Jaime Garcia to the Twin Cities. The talks are seemingly far enough along for the Braves to scratch their scheduled Triple-A starter Aaron Blair, who would seemingly take Garcia's place in the rotation when his spot is due up on Friday:
twins will be acquiring jaime garcia. not finished, but just finalizing.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 20, 2017
Source confirms the #MNTwins are in the final stages of trading for Braves lefty Jaime Garcia. It's for a Minor Leaguer. Waiting on medicals
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) July 20, 2017
Braves scratched Aaron Blair from AAA start tonight, potentially to take the spot of Jaime Garcia in the rotation tomorrow night.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 20, 2017
An impending free agent, Garcia would give the Twins a much-needed rotation boost. On the season, he's managed a 100 ERA+ and a 2.03 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Twins have taken to starting Braves castoff Bartolo Colon, which gives you an idea of why they're interested in making a bigger move to bolster their starting five.
It appears the deal will go down sometime on Friday -- and that the Braves won't be eating all of what remains on Garcia's salary:
I'm told #mntwins and #Braves aren't expecting to complete Jaime Garcia deal tonight, but it's "very close to final."
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) July 21, 2017
I'm also told #Braves will be sending along less than half remaining $4.79 million on Garcia's contract, which indicates modest player cost.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) July 21, 2017
We'll find out for certain soon enough.
