Garza trade to Rangers falls through after medical records exchanged

A deal sending Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers fell through Friday afternoon, though the teams remain in negotiations while the Cubs continue to seek alternative destinations for Garza, major league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The teams had talked about varying packages for the 29-year-old starter that included third baseman Mike Olt and starting pitchers Neil Ramirez and C.J. Edwards. The Rangers also expressed interest in Cubs left-handed reliever James Russell.

The breakdown in negotiations came after the teams exchanged medical information on the players involved. One source said the Rangers continue to show interest in dealing for Garza after seeing his medicals.

Garza, who missed the first seven weeks of the season recovering from a strained lat after a stress reaction in his elbow cut short his 2012 season, is 6-1 with a 3.17 ERA over 11 starts and is considered the best available starting pitcher. Garza will be a free agent this offseason and, if traded, will not bring draft-pick compensation.

The Rangers’ rotation has been decimated by injury, with Yu Darvish, Alexi Ogando, Matt Harrison, Colby Lewis, Nick Tepesch and Neftali Feliz on the disabled list. If they don’t acquire Garza, sources said they have inquired about Houston Astros starter Bud Norris.

Garza is expected to be dealt before his next start, which is scheduled for Monday.

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