Rays make same interesting decision as Yankees amid trade interest in three Twins veterans

After the All-Star break, the Tampa Bay Rays’ next series has not gone as planned, but they remain in a strong position to win the AL East with a record of 56-41. With the division “wide-open,” the article says the Rays are likely to be buyers at the trade deadline and could be aggressive this summer. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Rays have made a decision similar to the New York Yankees by sending scouts to watch three Minnesota Twins veterans against the Chicago Cubs. Nightengale names catcher Ryan Jeffers, starter Joe Ryan, and outfielder Trevor Larnach as the focus. The Rays are said to need Jeffers for power at catcher, while Joe Ryan, a two-time All-Star, is framed as a potential rotation upgrade. Larnach is also cited with a .286 batting average, seven home runs, and an .821 OPS this season.