By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Regardless whether the Philadelphia Phillies lose out on acquiring superstar shortstop Manny Machado, the club remains involved in trade discussions with the Baltimore Orioles regarding another one of their All-Star-caliber players — southpaw closer Zach Britton.
The Phillies are "expected to pick up talks" regarding the two-time All-Star, according to Fancred's Jon Heyman. NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury reported on Thursday that the Phillies are showing interest in Britton, who like Machado, would be acquired on a "rental" status.
Salisbury writes:
Phillies officials are not keen on giving up multiples of prospects for a rental player, but Britton’s price will be lower than Machado’s. Pretty much every team looking for relief help will have an interest in Britton, so the Orioles can afford to let his market develop. But the Phillies, who could possibly include Maikel Franco in a package, are in the running for him.
Britton, whose best pitch is a hard, sinking fastball, would be a good fit for the Phillies because he is a proven ninth-inning arm and that would allow manager Gabe Kapler to use power-armed Seranthony Dominguez as a high-leverage bullpen wild card as the second half of the season and the pennant race unfolds.
Heyman lists the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians and the Los Angeles Dodgers as other potential suitors for Britton.
Britton, 30, is 1-0 with four saves, a 3.68 ERA, 1.364 WHIP and 13-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 14 2/3 innings and 15 appearances this season with the Orioles.
