Buster Olney of ESPN says that Tampa Bay Rays have two current needs: a right-handed reliever and a left-handed DH-type. Olney suggests that Houston Astros Lance Berkman could be an “exceptional fit” as a DH for the Rays.

Two problems for Berkman’s perspective employers: his no-trade clause and the remainder of his $14.5 million contract for this season. This week, Berkman said that he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause if he was traded to a contender.

The Rays are a contender in the AL East, but they’ll need the Astros to pick up most of the $14.5 million in order to get this trade to work.

Olney goes on to say that the Rays could fill in their need for a right-handed reliever by promoting Jeremy Hellickson. He’s effectively the Rays’ No. 6 starter, so he can transition into the rotation in the event the team has an injury. Otherwise, Olney suggests that he could shift into a relief role sometime in late July or early August.