SAN DIEGO — With the trade deadline less than 48 hours away, the San Francisco Giants scratched their top trade candidate, second baseman Luis Arraez, half an hour before Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres.
The team said that Arraez was still dealing with some of the cramping that had bothered him the previous night, but given the situation, antennae went up all over baseball. It’s not uncommon for players to be placed out of harm’s way on the eve of the trade deadline, especially if talks have heated up with a particular club.
Arraez, in particular, is a wise choice to sit if that’s the case: He makes so much contact, he’s prone to fouling balls off his foot and he has been sidelined a day or two as a result at times.
Earlier Saturday, the Los Angeles Angels scratched pitcher José Soriano, who is the subject of trade interest.
Arraez, a three-time batting champ, is leading the majors with a .328 average and he has improved his defense at second base to the point that he’s among the league leaders at the position. The Padres, Saturday’s opponent, are among the teams with interest, but Tampa Bay is seen as the favorite for him if it is willing to provide the Giants with a strong enough package of prospects. Texas also has been connected with Arraez.
The Chronicle previously reported more than a dozen teams have called on Arraez but a league source said the Giants are “asking for the ranch” for him.