Report: D-backs show interest in Twins closer Brandon Kintzler
Jul 27, 2017, 4:36 PM | Updated: 4:39 pm
American League Minnesota Twins pitcher Brandon Kintzler (27), delivers a pitch, in the fifth inning, during the MLB baseball All-Star Game, Tuesday, July 11, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Could the Arizona Diamondbacks make another significant acquisition before the July 31 MLB trade deadline? Apparently they’re thinking about it, as MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports the D-backs have shown interest in Minnesota Twins All-Star reliever Brandon Kintzler.
The Boston Red Sox are also reportedly interested, according to Morosi.
The 32-year-old right-hander made his first All-Star appearance this season and as of Thursday night has 27 saves, the third-most in MLB.
Kintzler has a 2.84 ERA and through 44.1 innings has allowed 41 hits, 14 earned runs and 10 walks in 44.1 innings. He has 26 strikeouts on the year and has blown four save opportunities.
Like the D-backs’ recently-acquired slugger J.D. Martinez, Kintzler could be acquired at a reduced price considering his talent because he will become a free agent after the 2017 season.
Earlier on Thursday, Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall said his team was exploring the MLB reliever market as the trade deadline nears.
Arizona and Minnesota had been in talks outside of Kintzler, as the Twins dealt the D-backs catcher John Ryan Murphy for reliever prospect Gabriel Moya on Thursday.
Acquiring Kintzler would put current closer Fernando Rodney’s role in question.
Rodney has a 5.23 ERA, 22 saves and five blown saves this season. He has allowed 19 runs in 32.2 innings.
