By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Drew Smyly might not be the only left-handed addition to the Philadelphia Phillies starting pitching rotation come the July 31 trade deadline.
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According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Phillies, along with their National League East division rival Atlanta Braves, scouted Texas Rangers LHP Mike Minor in his start Friday evening, away against the Houston Astros. Through his first three innings, the 2019 American League All-Star allowed four solo home runs, one walk and six hits overall.
Chris Woodward on @JonMorosi's report that "Mike Minor is increasingly likely to be traded":
"We've got to accept that, and embrace that, and move on with our day."https://t.co/C5ybqaXqth@Rangers | #Rangers | #TogetherWe pic.twitter.com/Sh91BKwuGY
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) July 17, 2019
The Phillies have long shown interest in Minor; they and the New York Mets were linked to the left-hander as early as mid-April this season, as reported by USA Today's Bob Nightengale. On Wednesday, Morosi also reported it is "increasingly likely" that Minor will be traded by July 31, with the Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers "among the interested teams, although there’s no indication that a deal is close."
Minor has logged eight seasons in the majors, including his first five with the Braves from 2010-14, in which he went 38-36 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.266 WHIP spanning 111 games and 110 starts. Minor missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to shoulder injuries, and has since pitched for the Kansas City Royals (2017) and Rangers (2018-19).
In the American League this season entering Friday's action, Minor leads in WAR for Pitchers (6.0), complete games (2) and shutouts (1). His 2.73 ranked second-best, while his 44 walks allowed ranked fourth-best.
