7/26 21:26: A source close to Rob Bradford of WEEI says the Red Sox and the Blue Jays aren’t a match in terms of making a deal for reliever Scott Downs.

The source says the dynamic could change before the July 31st trade deadline, but there is “nothing right now.”

Alex Speier of WEEI adds that the Blue Jays have aggressively been scouting Red Sox Single-A Minor Leaguer Roman Mendez.

7/26 16:45: Ian Browne of MLB.com says that Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona only has two relievers that he can truly count on – Jonathan Papelbon and Daniel Bard. The team would obviously like to add additional pitchers like Toronto Blue Jays’ Scott Downs, but the cost for relief help is too high right now. The price may come down as the trade deadline approaches on Saturday.

In exchange for a pitcher, the team is willing to part with infielder Mike Lowell. Lowell is doing well in the first three games of his rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket. He’s batting .357 (5 for 14). He had attracted the attention of the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, but it appears that both of the teams may be headed in another directions.

Brown also says the Sox could be looking for a catcher since Jason Varitek’s return to the team is still uncertain. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports said the Red Sox offered right-handed pitcher Ramon Ramirez to the Mets for catcher Rod Barajas until Barajas got hurt and went on the disabled list.