TORONTO — Roy Halladay’s desire to test the free-agent market following the 2010 season is the primary reason the Blue Jays are trying to trade their staff ace, general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Thursday.
“That’s the whole reason we’re going down this avenue,” Ricciardi said.
Baseball’s nonwaiver trade deadline is July 31. Ricciardi said on July 6 he would field offers for Halladay, who has a full no-trade clause. The Blue Jays have set a loose deadline of Tuesday to make a deal, but Ricciardi said there is room to maneuver.
“If we’re down the road with something, obviously the deadline can fluctuate,” Ricciardi said. “If we’re not down the road by (Tuesday), nothing’s going to happen.”
Footnotes.
Astros slugger Lance Berkman has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf, and infielder Edwin Maysonet was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock.
• Phillies relievers J.C. Romero (forearm) and Chad Durbin (back) were placed on the DL, and Tyler Walker and Andrew Carpenter were recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
• Nationals left-hander Scott Olsen underwent surgery to repair a small labrum tear in his left shoulder. He is expected to be ready for spring training.
• Royals right fielder Jose Guillen is headed to the DL after spraining his right knee while putting on his shin guard against the Angels on Wednesday night.
• Jim Parque, a former pitcher for the White Sox and Tampa Bay, admitted he used human growth hormone “about six times” after he was cut by Chicago in 2002 and before he tried a comeback with the Rays the following season.
The Associated Press
