Jul 30, 2010 5:10 PM EST

The Padres are getting closer to acquiring pitcher Paul Maholm from the Pirates, reports ESPN.com's Buster Olney.

Maholm is 6-9 with a 4.52 ERA in 21 starts this season.

He would likely shore up the back end of San Diego's rotation.

Via Buster Olney/ESPN (via Twitter)