Christopher Archer

With time running out until MLB's non-waiver trade deadline, nearly half of the league is sandwiched together atop the standings.

Fourteen teams have accumulated at least 50 victories. Shortly before the non-waiver trade window shuts on Aug. 1, a clear line divides the contenders and pretenders. Given the parity at the top, every playoff hopeful can convince itself that one or two shrewd moves will catalyze a championship run.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer is reportedly generating interest ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline despite a lackluster first half of the 2016 season. 

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Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer broke his franchise's single-season strikeouts record during the third inning of Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees, fanning Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner for his 240th punchout of the season, per Sportsnet Stats.

Archer entered the game with 236 strikeouts, needing just four to break Scott Kazmir's prior franchise record of 239.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer tied a franchise record Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins by recording his ninth double-digit strikeout game of the season, per Sportsnet Stats.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer tossed seven shutout innings during Sunday's 5-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, setting a franchise record by going a fourth consecutive start without allowing an earned run, per ESPN Stats & Info.