Rumor Roundup: Bucs shopping Niese, Locke

White Sox seeking help in center; D-backs won't deal Corbin

Pomeranz traded to Red Sox 1:18

Red Sox reporter Ian Browne discusses how Boston added depth to the rotation by signing Drew Pomeranz and the benefits of Jason Groome

With this year's All-Star festivities in the books and the second half of the 2016 season nearly under way, the Hot Stove is simmering. The rumors are swirling and speculation abounds as the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline looms large.

One National League All-Star was on the move on Thursday evening as the Red Sox acquired left-hander Drew Pomeranz from the Padres in exchange for pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza. Over the next two weeks, several more stars could swap uniforms as teams try to improve their rosters for a second-half push up the standings.

Here's a look at the latest developments from around the big leagues:

Pirates shopping rotation arms
The Pirates are reportedly shopping two of their starting pitchers -- left-handers Jonathon Niese and Jeff Locke -- according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Pittsburgh is presumably looking to clear room for top prospect Tyler Glasnow, who made his big league debut against the Cardinals on July 7. Glasnow, 22, is rated as the No. 8 overall prospect in baseball, per MLBPipeline.

No suitors for Locke and Niese have emerged yet. Both lefties have endured inconsistent seasons. Niese is 7-6 with a 5.13 ERA in 18 starts, while Locke has an 8-5 record and a 5.26 ERA through 18 outings (17 starts).

Pittsburgh is currently without ace right-hander Gerrit Cole, but he is expected to come off the disabled list and start on Saturday against the Nationals. Cole has been sidelined since leaving his start on June 10 with a strained right triceps. Right-hander Jameson Taillon is also slated to come off the DL (shoulder fatigue) soon after the All-Star break, which would give the Bucs six starters for five rotation spots.

Glasnow's Major League debut

PIT@STL: Glasnow K's five, tallies first hit in debut

Tyler Glasnow collects his first career hit while fanning five and allowing three hits over 5 1/3 solid frames in his Major League debut

Corbin staying put in Arizona
Despite multiple teams expressing interest in Arizona left-hander Patrick Corbin, D-backs general manager Dave Stewart told MLB Network's Jon Heyman that the club has no intention of trading him.

Corbin, 26, is 4-7 with a 4.94 ERA in 18 starts for Arizona this season. He is scheduled to start the D-backs' first game of the second half Friday against the Dodgers.

With Zack Greinke on the mend and Shelby Miller optioned to Triple-A Reno on Thursday, the D-backs are operating with a four-man rotation. Off-days on Monday and next Thursday will allow them to go without a fifth starter for the time being.

Corbin fans Green

ARI@SF: Corbin fans Green in the 4th inning

Patrick Corbin whiffs Grant Green to start the bottom of the 4th, the lone strikeout of his start against the Giants

White Sox seeking help in center
The White Sox could be in the market for another center fielder, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, who says that uncertainty surrounding Austin Jackson's recovery has the club turning to the trade market for outfield help.

Jackson underwent surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee in mid-June and is scheduled to be re-evaluated this month. No timetable for his return has been announced. The 29-year-old outfielder was batting .254 with 18 RBIs in 54 games prior to his injury.

Chicago, which is pushing for its first postseason berth since 2008, figures to be in the market for a left-handed bat and potentially an additional relief arm heading into the Deadline.

Chad Thornburg is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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