Phillies Trade Rumors: Bastardo and Byrd targeted

May 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Marlon Byrd (3) celebrates with relief pitcher Antonio Bastardo (59) after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

While Antonio Bastardo and Marlon Byrd are hardly the biggest names circulating among Major League executives, they may both be included in the next Philadelphia Phillies trade.

FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi reports that Bastardo and Byrd continue to be targeted by many.

Before becoming a Phillie, Byrd was traded from the New York Mets to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013.  Morosi reports that Byrd’s previous team has interest in him and Bastardo.

The Pirates (55-49) have been looking to bolster their shaky bullpen as they vie for a playoff spot.  On June 27th they traded closer Jason Grilli for the Los Angeles Angels’ Ernesto Frieri.  Frieri has a ballooned ERA of 11.25 in eight innings with the Pirates.

Two lefties have done well for the Pirates’ bullpen this season, Justin Wilson (3-1) and Tony Watson (7-1), but Bastardo’s numbers are solid overall and good against left-handed batters.

The Pirates have also shown interest in veteran starter A.J. Burnett, but his player option for 2015 has them hesitant to work a deal.

Morosi said Pirates scouts, among others, were once again watching Burnett in his latest start on Monday night.

Pirates scouts could have been at Citi Field to see Bartolo Colon also.  Burnett may not be as strong on the Pirates’ radar, but Bastardo and Byrd could be a nice acquisition considering they are both affordable.  In his sixth season, Bastardo is making $2 million.  Byrd is signed through 2015 on a two-year $16 million deal with a vesting option for 2016.

Bastardo and Byrd have both also been linked to the Kansas City Royals among other teams.

Byrd does have a no-trade clause he may be willing to waive.  He had four hits in Monday night’s Phillies loss.