Health might provide Cubs the depth they need as trade deadline nears

10:29 AM ET

CHICAGO — Trade chatter involving the Chicago Cubs has died down as the Monday afternoon non-waiver deadline approaches.

After capturing a big fish in the form of lefty reliever Aroldis Chapman, there was some thought the Cubs still would entertain bringing in a veteran hitter like Josh Reddick of the Oakland Athletics or a young starter who could be part of a future rotation, even if he’s not needed now. Either could still happen, but the Cubs haven’t been linked to any names since late last week.

“There’s nothing going on as far as I know,” manager Joe Maddon said Sunday. “Crickets.”

Despite Brian Matusz’s forgettable performance on Sunday night against the Seattle Mariners, the Cubs simply don’t need to add to their rotation for this season, as they have five starters capable of pitching in a playoff game. Since signing Jon Lester and Jason Hammel before last season, the Cubs have been searching for a younger starter who won’t cost them much in the coming years. That’s when Hammel, John Lackey and Jake Arrieta all could be gone.

Jason Heyward showing some inconsistency at the plate is what passes for a problem for the Cubs. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The trade deadline is another time to potentially find that young starter, but considering the few rentals on the market, some teams in need of an arm for a playoff run this season are going to be interested in the same pitchers the …

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