Deadline buzz: Mets, Dodgers in on Bruce

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.

Mets, Dodgers eyeing BruceJay Bruce was scratched from Sunday’s lineup as talks regarding the Reds outfielder intensify. Manager Bryan Price told reporters Bruce was being held out of the lineup as a mental day, not because of any imminent trade.

Shortly after reports said the Mets were out Sunday morning, others indicated that New York is back in on the lefty-hitting outfielder. ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Saturday that the Reds are not asking for “elite prospects” from the Mets, but rather for two or three good players a notch below elite status.

The Dodgers also remain in discussions with the Reds about a possible deal, according to MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, who reported that such a deal would likely remain between the two clubs, as opposed to being a three-team swap, as was widely reported on Friday. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman confirmed the Dodgers’ interest, while FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal also reported that the Giants are among the teams in the mix for Bruce.

The Rangers also are interested. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported on Saturday that Texas had at least one scout present at the Reds-Padres contest on Friday night in San Diego to take a look at the slugger.

ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick previously reported that six to eight teams are “still in the mix” for Bruce.

A’s talking extension with Hill Amid trade talks regarding left-hander Rich Hill, the A’s are also discussing a possible extension with the veteran starter, according to Rosenthal. If he isn’t dealt, Hill, 36, is eligible to hit free agency this winter.

Hill is currently sidelined due to a blister on his left middle finger, but A’s manager Bob Melvin said Hill could come off the disabled list to start as soon as Thursday. On Saturday, Hill threw a 60-pitch bullpen session at Progressive Field comprised of four 15-pitch simulated innings.

“Everything was going well when I saw him,” Melvin said. “It sounds like it’s going in the right direction. He looked good.”

Rosenthal listed the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Rangers, Astros and Pirates among the teams that have expressed interest in the left-hander.

Hill is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA in 14 starts for the A’s this season. He also missed all of June with a left groin strain. He’s made just three starts since, the last being a five-pitch outing vs. the Blue Jays on July 17.

Rangers making progress on Lucroy It looked as if two-time All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy was on his way to Cleveland after a deal was agreed upon by the Brewers and Indians on Saturday night. But after he vetoed the deal Sunday, now it appears the Rangers might be the most likely team to land Lucroy.

Texas’ primary focus at the Deadline was on acquiring a starting pitcher, but with the market somewhat drying up, the Rangers have re-entered discussions with the Brewers about trading for Lucroy, according to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. Sullivan added that top prospect Joey Gallo would “likely” be involved in such a deal, and Morosi speculated that pitching prospects Yohander Mendez or Luis Ortiz could also be part of a package offered by Texas.

Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Rangers would be asking for a reliever back from the Brewers in addition to Lucroy. Wilson characterized the discussions between the Rangers and Brewers as “serious” on Sunday afternoon.

The Rangers are not the only team with renewed hopes of obtaining Lucroy. ESPN’s Adam Rubin reports that the Mets are still hoping to land Lucroy or Bruce. Heyman …

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