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Tampa Bay Rays Also Have Interest in Arizona Diamondbacks Closer Chad Qualls

A source tells us.

No specifics are known, but Qualls is making 2.35 million this season and will be eligible for free agency following next season. He's a groundball artist, forcing nearly 60% of the balls put into play against him to bond with the grass. Unlike some of the other names mentioned, Qualls is not in the midst of a career season, only a second best career season.

Qualls has acted as the D-Backs closer this season and last and was acquired in the Jose Valverde trade. Despite the groundball tendencies, he still maintains a whiff rate over 10%. He throws a heavy fastball that sits 92-94 and - stop me if you've heard this one before - a slider.

Qualls joins a laundry list of other relievers the Rays are believed to have interest in. You can find analysis on those pitchers by following this link. For the rest of DRB's trade deadline coverage and analysis, visit this link.