John Lannan Rumors: Cubs, Red Sox, Tigers Interested in Nationals Lefty

Jon Heyman of CBSports.com reported yesterday afternoon that the Washington Nationals are “not anxious” to meet John Lannan’s trade request.  Heyman added that while the Orioles, Cubs, Tigers, Red Sox and Astros have “expressed interest” in Lannan, the Nationals have indicated that they are going to hold onto the left-hander.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told Heyman that his stance hasn’t changed a bit; Washington is still not looking to trade Lannan.  The Nationals indicated that they would be holding onto Lannan this season even after optioning the 27-year-old to the minors.

Rizzo confirmed that the Nationals are not looking to trade Lannan, but that they have “fielded some calls” on the left-hander.  While Rizzo feels Lannan is a “solid major league starting pitcher”, he also believes the Nationals currently “have five guys who are better than him”.  Still, you can never have too many pitchers, and Rizzo feels that Lannan will be able to help Washington at the major league level at some point this offseason.

Lannan didn’t help himself this weekend when he made his first minor league appearance since 2010.  Lannan was only able to log two innings of work before getting the hook.  The Nationals former Opening Day starter allowed six hits and five earned runs while walking two and striking out one.

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