Mets reportedly trading for Rays pitcher Rich Hill

Acting New York Mets general manager Zack Scott said earlier in the week that he could pursue a starting pitcher ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. 

That deadline is a week away, but it appears the Amazins may have their man. 

Anthony DiComo of the official MLB website and handfuls of others reported Friday afternoon that the Mets are acquiring left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for relief pitcher Tommy Hunter and minor-league catcher Matt Dyer. 

The transaction had not been confirmed by either team as of 1:30 p.m. ET. 

The Mets certainly need the help in the rotation. Ace Jacob deGrom may only spend a short time on the injured list due to his latest setback (right forearm tightness) but has completed multiple stints on the IL this season. Veteran Carlos Carrasco still hasn't made his big-league Mets debut and is continuing to recover from the torn hamstring he first suffered in March but struggled in his latest rehab appearance. Noah Syndergaard likely won't return until September at the earliest from the Tommy John surgery he had in March 2020. 

Hill, 41, holds a 6-4 record with a 3.87 ERA across 19 starts this season. DiComo notes Hill posted a 5.40 ERA over his last seven starts.