MLB trade rumors: Why Padres wanted Yankees’ Miguel Andujar

The San Diego Padres wanted rookie third baseman Miguel Andujar from the Yankees in exchange for …

The Yankees reportedly would have had make themselves weaker in the infield to bolster their bullpen if they wanted Padres reliever Brad Hand.

San Diego asked for rookie third baseman Miguel Andujar in exchange for the two-time All-Star lefty, according to a report from SNY’s Andy Martino.

Instead, the Yankees said no, and Hand and fellow reliever Adam Cimber went to the Indians in exchange for stud catching prospect Francisco Mejia.

The Yankees have so far been quiet as the trade deadline looms.

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They have been in on talks for stars such as Hand and shortstop Manny Machado, but haven’t been willing to make a deal yet.

General manager Brian Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner each have said addressing the starting pitching is a need.

Besides Luis Severino and CC Sabathia, the Yankees don’t have a sure thing in their rotation. And Sabathia turned 38 years old Saturday and has been dealing with a bum left knee for years.

The Yankees have often been connected to the Rangers’ Cole Hamels, the Blue Jays’ J.A. Happ and the Tigers’ Michael Fulmer.

If Cashman can’t get what he wants to help the rotation, however, he could look to bolster what’s already one of the best bullpens in the game.

While closer Aroldis Chapman has been dominant, he was shaky Saturday, and he’s been pitching with left knee tendinitis for more than a month. Chasen Shreve and A.J. Cole also hold slots but are replaceable. 

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.