The Royals have designated Jeff Francoeur for assignment.

By designating the struggling Francoeur for assignment, the Royals cleared more playing time for David Lough and Jarrod Dyson.

"We wanted to get another infield bat up here, and Johnny Giavotella has been swinging the bat very well at Omaha and, obviously, with Dyson coming back and the way that David Lough played there wasn't much opportunity for Jeff to get in there as much as I think he needs to be in order to be effective," Dayton Moore said.

The Red Sox have not engaged in "a single conversation" with the Phillies regarding a potential trade for Michael Young, according to sources.

Young is in the final year of a four-year deal that pays him $16 million per season.

The chances of the Mariners trading Brendan Ryan have increased following the promotion of Brad Miller.

Ryan could be a nice fit for a contender looking for a defensive ace.

The Twins have received calls about Glen Perkins as a number of clubs are looking for bullpen help.

Perkins has a very team-friendly contract that increases his trade value.

The Giants would like to acquire a pitcher on a multiyear deal, but they also have interest in Matt Garza.

Garza will be a free agent after the season.

The Orioles top priority ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is adding a starting pitcher, according to sources.

Dan Duquette would only say, "we're looking," when asked about his team's pursuit of a starter earlier this week.

According to sources, Baltimore is looking at Miami's Ricky Nolasco, San Diego's Edinson Volquez and Andrew Cashner, the Chicago Cubs' Matt Garza and Scott Feldman, the Chicago White Sox's Jake Peavy and Houston's Bud Norris.

If the Phillies decide to sell at the trade deadline, dealing Chase Utley seems to make the most sense.

Utley will be a free agent at season's end and the market for position players is thin.

However, Ruben Amaro doesn't seem included to move Utley.

"He's been an iconic player for us," Amaro said. "My intention would be to keep him in our uniform for the rest of his career, if possible.

"I kind of view Chase as a Phillie for life. That's my hope."

The Rockies are looking for pitching as the trade deadline approaches.

Milwaukee has been targeting Milwaukee's Yovani Gallardo and Chicago's Matt Garza and Kevin Gregg.

"As far as any pitching that is out there, we are looking to see who's available and how we could help our club," Bill Geivett said. "That's not only pitching, but position players as well. We are always looking to improve."

There has been a lot of "heavy traffic" on Matt Garza this week, reports Nick Cafardo.

The expectation is that Garza will be dealt ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

The Twins are getting calls about players ahead of next month's trade deadline.

Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham are two players that teams are inquiring about.