Baltimore Orioles Rumors: Dodgers express “legitimate” interest in Britton

The Baltimore Orioles continue to receive interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers on closerZach Brittonas MLB trade rumors and news proceed.

TheBaltimore Oriolestrade rumors involving closer Zach Britton and the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly remain active as the non-wavier MLB Trade Deadline inches closer on July 31 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

According to ESPN Senior WriterJerry Crasnick, the Dodgers interest in Britton remain “legitimate.” However, at the same time, the Dodgers are cautious on a deal for Britton after the Orioles closer missed substantial time due to a forearm strain. Nonetheless, the dominant duo of Britton andKenley Jansenin the Dodgers bullpen keeps them intrigued.

FanRag Sports’Jon Heymanfirst reported the Dodgers interest on the Orioles 29-year-old closer on July 13 with Janson thrilled on the possibility to be part of arguably the best eighth-ninth inning set in MLB history.

More from Orioles Rumors

• Baltimore Orioles Rumors: 3 Possible Trade Destinations for Adam Jones
• Baltimore Orioles Rumors: Phillies Look to Add Longtime Orioles Star
• Baltimore Orioles Rumors: Arizona Diamondbacks Pushing for Zach Britton
• Orioles Rumors: Schoop, Gausman, Bundy Gaining Trade Interest
• Orioles Rumors: 6 Teams Interested in Britton—2 Emerging as Favorites

If a trade were to occur that sends Britton out West, expect the Orioles to inquire on some of the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects such as the first-round pick in the 2015 MLB draftWalker Buehler, right-handed pitcherTrevor Oaks, 25-year-oldBrock Stewart, among others.

Since his return from the DL on July 5, Britton has tossed seven innings with a 5.14 ERA and 10 hits and has yet to pitch consecutive games.

Britton’s trade value took a hit in the series finale against the Rangers Thursday night as he allowed two earned runs and a walk in a ninth inning appearance.

Now, the suddenly rejuvenated Orioles sit a manageable 3.5 games back from the final American League Wild Card spot and are 4-3 to open the second-half of the 2017 MLB season. As a result, questions arise on if the Orioles will sell or buy with a playoff spot back in reach.

Entering Friday’s weekend series against the astounding Houston Astros, the Orioles, 46-49, FiveThirtyEight’s2017 MLB Predictionsgive the Orioles just a 10 percent chance of making the playoffs despite putting themselves right back into the AL playoff picture.

Next: How Orioles bullpen can survive a fire sale

As reported earlier this week, Orioles owner Peter Angelos gave vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette theOK to explore trade optionsfor the team’s top relievers that include Britton,Brad Brach,Darren O’Dayand right fielderSeth Smith.

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle

Follow