New York Yankees reportedly scouting Los Angeles Angels

The New York Yankees quest to find pitching help could end out west, where they are reportedly scouting the Los Angeles Angels.

There is no question that the New York Yankees need pitching help. Luis Severino has looked like an ace, and CC Sabathia has been solid, but the rest of the rotation has disappointed. Sonny Gray has mostly been a disaster this year, while Domingo German has dealt with the inconsistencies that can be inherent for a rookie. Even Masahiro Tanaka Has not been himself, leaving the Yankees with a large void in the rotation.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels have been dealing with injuries, sliding down the standings. As the leaders in the AL West get further away, and the gulf between they and even the A’s expands, they may be ready to sell. With that in mind, the Yankees have been scouting the Angels as a possible match in trade talks.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

That interest certainly makes makes sense. Finally healthy, Tyler Skaggs has emerged as one of the better starters in the AL, despite his 7-5 record. His 2.57 ERA is seventh in the league, and he has done a tremendous job of keeping the ball in the park, allowing only eight homers in 98 innings. In that time, he has struck out 105 batters, while issuing only 28 walks. Obviously, the injury history would be a concern, but Skaggs would be a solid fit in the Yankees rotation.

Andrew Heaney is also comes with his share of injury related risks. He has been healthy thus far, posting a 5-6 record despite a 3.84 ERA and a 1.167 WHiP. In his 96 innings, Heaney has struck out 96 batters, with only 29 walks. Heaney has allowed his share of homers, giving up 12 on the season, but has still done a reasonable job of minimizing the damage.

Neither pitcher would be a rental for the Yankees. Skaggs would not be a free agent until 2021, and Heaney is under team control until 2022. Given the Angels own pitching problems, both arms could have a high price tag. With their injury history, making a deal for either would certainly be a gamble. However, if healthy, they would certainly help solidify the Yankees biggest Achilles Heel.

Next: Yankees trade scenrios

The New York Yankees need pitching help, and the Los Angeles Angels could be a nice fit. However, both Andrew Heaney and Tyler Skaggs are risky propositions.