Former MLB general manager reveals the Philadelphia Phillies had a plan to pursue a blockbuster trade for two Cleveland Guardians players to strengthen their roster.

The Phillies might have been watching their future on Monday night. Luis Robert Jr. hit a Cristopher Sánchez changeup just over the right-field wall at Rate Field for a two-run homer in the fourth inning of the Phillies’ 6-2 loss to the White Sox.

It’s clear to rival teams that the Phillies are focused on another reliever. One big-swing option came off the board Monday. Will they turn to a rental? The clock is ticking.

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase — a rumored MLB trade deadline target — has been placed on paid leave in connection with a sports-gambling investigation, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Monday. Clase is reportedly on leave through Aug. 31, per The Athletic's Zack Meisel.

The 34-year-old leads MLB in RBI with 87 and is arguably the best hitter rumored to be available at the July 31 trade deadline. The Diamondbacks, who fell to 51-56 after Monday’s loss, appear to be sellers and already traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners last week.

With the July 31 trade deadline looming, deals are already getting done with more on the way. Contenders are looking

Tigers Make Trade With Phillies After Fifth Straight Loss originally appeared on Athlon Sports.