Jaime Garcia Trade to Twins Reportedly Delayed Due to Prospect Medical Concerns

The rumored trade that would have sent Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Jaime Garcia to the Minnesota Twins reportedly stalled late in the process because of the Braves' concerns following a medical review of the prospect they were set to receive in return.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports provided the update Saturday afternoon. He noted the sides could still reach an agreement, but for now the front offices are "working alternatives."

According to Rosenthal, the prospect Minnesota was sending in the original deal is right-handed pitcher Nick Burdi, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May.

Garcia shone for the Braves in a 12-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night. He crushed a grand slam off Alex Wood, who entered the game with a microscopic 1.56 ERA, and allowed three runs over seven innings while striking out four.

Cory McCartney of Fox Sports South passed along comments from the 31-year-old after his memorable performance.

"That's pretty good. I'm not going to lie," Garcia said. "I usually don't smile a lot with [media], but that was pretty unbelievable. I never hit a grand slam in my life, even when I was in Little League, so that was pretty cool."

Atlanta, which has remained on the fringe of the wild-card hunt despite being more focused on the future thanks to a loaded minor league system, acquired Garcia from the St. Louis Cardinals in December. Now, the front office could flip him for a prospect to bolster the rebuild.

Garcia owns a 4.30 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 85 strikeouts and 41 walks in 113 innings across 18 starts this season. He posted a 6.75 ERA in five June starts, but his performance has otherwise been more in line with his 3.65 career ERA.

Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reported Wednesday there were "about six teams with strong interest" in the left-hander, who can become a free agent at season's end.

Garcia's status as a potential rental—he's in the final season of his current contract—means the Braves likely can't acquire a top-end prospect for him. But, as one of the top starters available ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline July 31, he should bring back a solid piece from the Twins or another team.