The Orioles have been in trade talks with the Phillies about acquiring starting pitcher A. J. Burnett, according to Fox Sports.
The Orioles entered Saturday with a four-game lead in the American League East but are looking to add a starting pitcher. They have the ninth-worst ERA among starters in the majors at 4.07.
Burnett’s wife is a Maryland native and the couple lives there in the offseason. The right-hander has been linked to the Orioles in the past when he has been a free agent.
The 37-year-old is 6-9 with a 4.08 ERA in 21 starts and 136 2/3 innings for the Phillies this season.
Philly signed Burnett to a one-year, $16 million contract. It includes a $15 million mutual option for next season. If the team declines its share of the option, Burnett has a $7.5 million player option.
The Phillies entered Saturday in last place in the National League East at 42-54 and have reportedly also put left-handers Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels on the trade block if they decide to sell by the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
