Deadline buzz: Nats in on bullpen arms

Many potential deals are in the works as the non-waiver Trade Deadline — Monday at 4 p.m. ET — approaches. Here is a look at the latest news, reports and rumors.

M’s Walker on the block? The Mariners, who entered Thursday six games out in the American League West and 4 1/2 out of the second Wild Card spot, reportedly could move a big piece of their starting rotation. Taijuan Walker, a promising 23-year-old right-hander, is “drawing strong interest” and will throw a bullpen session in front of scouts on Friday at Wrigley Field, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

Walker has been on the disabled list with tendinitis in the arch of his right foot, last pitching for the Mariners on July 5. However, he took a step forward on Wednesday, tossing three innings in a simulated game at PNC Park. If all goes well on Friday, Walker currently is slated to make a Minor League rehab start next Monday before potentially returning to Seattle’s rotation. 

In 16 outings this year, Walker has a 3.66 ERA, with 1.9 walks and 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He isn’t due to become a free agent until after the 2020 season.

Moore, Pearce on the move? Matt Moore is the most likely Rays pitcher to be traded, according to Yahoo’s Jeff Passan.

Outfielder Steve Pearce also is expected to be dealt, Passan reports.

The Rays have been in talks with several teams regarding Moore and right-handers Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi.

Moore, 27, has team options for each of the next three years, with his 2019 $10-million salary his highest.

Moore has been inconsistent since 2014 Tommy John surgery but has thrown six straight quality starts.

Injury not preventing potential Jay dealJon Jay remains on the disabled list with a broken right forearm, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Padres won’t deal him before the Deadline. In fact, San Diego is “drawing interest” in the lefty-hitting center fielder, according to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal.

Jay, who is expected to return by the middle of next month, can be traded while still on the DL. Before his season was interrupted by the injury in mid-June, the 31-year-old pending free agent was batting .296/.345/.407 with 24 doubles and two homers. 

Royals trying to package Kennedy, Davis The Royals are trying to package Ian Kennedy with Wade Davis in a potential trade, sources told Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan on Thursday.

The Dodgers would be a strong match for the Royals in a deal for Davis, according to Passan. Los Angeles covets the Kansas City closer, even though it already has All-Star Kenley Jansen, and the Dodgers have the budget necessary to take on Kennedy’s contract, a five-year, $70 million deal that runs through 2020.

The New York Post’s Joel Sherman and FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal, however, reported that although the Royals have talked to teams about taking …

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