The Chicago White Sox are close to trading All-Star reliever Jesse Crain to one of two teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, in a "complicated" deal, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
The complicated part could center on the fact that Crain is on the disabled list with a sore shoulder and has not pitched since June 29. He had a setback last week, and it's uncertain when he will pitch again.
Crain was one of baseball's top setup men in the first half of the season with a 0.74 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and 19 holds and was selected for his first All-Star team, although his injury prevented him from playing in the game.
The second interested team is unknown. Crain was seen handing out envelopes to clubhouse workers at U.S. Cellular Field after Sunday's final home game before the non-waiver trading deadline on Wednesday afternoon. Players typically tip home clubhouse workers at the end of the season. There are no rules in baseball's collective bargaining agreement against trading players who are on the disabled list. The White Sox traded for Jake Peavy in 2009 when the former San Diego Padres pitcher was on the DL.
The White Sox are also taking serious offers for Peavy, outfielder Alex Rios and shortstop Alexei Ramirez, according to sources.