When James Shields' name began to surface in trade rumors, the Tampa Bay Rays made it clear that they have no intentions of trading their right-handed ace, who is in the midst of a fantastic season. But the team may be willing to part with two other starters in its rotation.
According to CBS Sports' Danny Knobler, the Rays are reportedly willing to talk about trading Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis, who join outfielder B.J. Upton on the list of players that could become targets for other teams with Sunday's trade deadline rapidly approaching.
The 28-year-old Niemann is 4-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 12 starts this season. In his career, he is 31-20 with a 4.14 ERA in 78 games (73 starts). Niemann missed time earlier this season with a DL stint due to back tightness.
The 25-year-old Davis is a former third-round draft pick and highly touted prospect, but he has struggled a bit early on in his major league career. Davis is 7-7 with a 4.46 ERA in 18 starts this season, and is 21-19 with a 4.16 ERA in 53 career starts.
The Rays reportedly also made it clear that, like Shields, starters David Price and Jeremy Hellickson are off-limits.
