By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
Following the Phillies' decision to scratch Jeremy Hellickson prior to his final start before the MLB trade deadline, speculation has swirled about Hellickson being involved in a soon-to-be-completed trade.
With a number of teams in the market for starting pitching, three clubs have emerged in the hunt for the Phillies' right-hander.
Jon Heyman reported that the Boston Red Sox have discussed acquiring Hellickson, a player who they have seen over the years with the majority of Hellickson's career being played with the rival Tampa Bay Rays:
red sox have discussed hellickson internally. not sure if they will be the team tho. could be others in, too.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 28, 2017
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has also reported that the Milwaukee Brewers and the Kansas City Royals are two clubs who also could be pursuing Hellickson:
Source speculates Brewers and Royals as the two most likely landing spots for Hellickson.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 28, 2017
Hellickson's last two starts both came against the Brewers, going 1-0 over 10 innings, allowing eight runs and striking out 12.
The Royals are an interesting option as well, following a report earlier today from Jerry Crasnick of ESPN that connected Kansas City to Phillies' outfielder Howie Kendrick:
#Royals are contemplating adding a corner OF bat for stretch run. Two possibilities: #Phillies Howie Kendrick and #Whitesox Melky Cabrera.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 28, 2017
Kendrick is nursing an injury after a Mike Fiers pitch hit him on the hand during Wednesday's series finale with the Houston Astros, but the injury is not considered serious and Kendrick has told Comcast Sportsnet that he hopes to be able to play in the coming days. With the Royals in play, a Hellickson-Kendrick package could be on the table.
