I refer to those as props, swaps, and dumps...not a technical term by any means, but generally very dilutive in nature. Bigger dumps are usually well under the ASK, little trades/swaps then follow to prop it back up. MMs can swap plus they pay no fees, easy to do. If the company is satisfying discounted debt, you'll see an uptick in short volume, which is then covered with discounted shares more or less instantly. Right now, pretty big spread, no takers, but appears someone is trying to hold it higher IMO.