Jake Peavy

Jake Peavy has pitched well this season, but the Boston Red Sox may trade him to open up a spot in the starting rotation (AP photo).

(Michael Dwyer)

HOUSTON -- While general manager Ben Cherington has already talked to Jake Peavy about a possible trade, giving the pitcher fair warning if the Boston Red Sox strike a deal, the team fully expects him to make his scheduled start on Saturday.

"I think if I’m made aware that something is imminent there will be a contingency plan," manager John Farrell said. "But there’s no contingency for him."

Peavy will pitch against the Houston Astros, a team that has hit .239 this season and ranks 13th in the American League in runs scored. While a strong performance could ostensibly boost Peavy's trade value, he's already proven that he still has plenty left in the tank.

He's allowed just three runs while striking out 10 batters over his last 12 innings.

On the season, Peavy hasn't missed a start, while pitching at least six innings in 15 of his 18 outings.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves are two teams in need of starting pitching who are trying to make a run, making Peavy a viable option for them. He has a 3.29 career ERA in the National League compared to a 4.10 ERA in the American League, though he has battled various injuries during the majority of his time in the AL.

If the Red Sox do hold Peavy through the trade deadline, they'll have to figure out a way to open a spot for Rubby De La Rosa to remain in the starting rotation while trying to incorporate other young starters such as Brandon Workman and Anthony Ranaudo.

Peavy has said he hopes to remain on the Red Sox and is trying to pitch through the rumors.

"I think any veteran guy, they’re well aware and have seen it many times over," Farrell said. "He was traded last year to us. He having gone through it personally, I don’t see it taking away from or distracting the way he’ll go about his game tomorrow."

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