MLB trade rumors: Jesse Crain trade close, 'complicated'

The Chicago White Sox are closing in on a "complicated" three-way trade involving Jesse Crain and the Tampa Bay Rays, reports Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com.

The third team in the deal is unkown, according to Levine, as is Crain's destination. Rays general manager Andrew Friedman told Marc Tompkin of the Tampa Bay Times Sunday that the team's chances of making a trade before the deadline were slim, stating:

"We are always looking to improve, and between now and Wednesday, we're going to do everything we can to do that. But I can't overstate our confidence in the team that we have. This is a tremendous group of guys, and the worst thing we can do is to feel pressure to make a move just for its own sake."

Crain has been one of the best set-up men this season when healthy. The right-hander owns a 0.74 ERA, striking out 46 batters over 36 2/3 innings while only issuing 11 walks.

The reliever, however, has not pitched since June 29 and is currently on the disabled list with a sore shoulder. Crain had hoped to return to Chicago before the deadline, but suffered a setback that has delayed his return.

There are no rules in the CBA against trading players currently on the disabled list. The White Sox acquired Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres in 2009 when he was on the DL.

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