PHOENIX -- As the non-waiver Trade Deadline grows closer -- it's 1 p.m. MST on Aug. 1 -- D-backs general manager Dave Stewart continues to field offers for some of the team's veterans, but he is intent on keeping the core of the club together.
The 2016 season has been one of disappointment for the D-backs, who made several moves during the offseason with the intention of contending for at least the next three seasons.
Injuries to key players like outfielders A.J. Pollock, David Peralta and Chris Owings, along with ace pitcher Zack Greinke, have combined with under-performance by the starting rotation to leave the team in last place.
The organization, however, is not going to begin trading any of its core players.
"I've heard too often from people I respect in the game that we have good talent, we have great talent," Stewart said. "So I believe that the talent is there, and if that's the case, it makes it really difficult to look at moving any of our young talent. I have to be open to listening about anything, but it is unlikely that I'm going to move any of our young talent."
A more likely scenario is that the team could move veteran setup men Daniel Hudson and Tyler Clippard. The D-backs have already dealt closer Brad Ziegler to the Red Sox.
Like Ziegler, Hudson is a free agent at the end of the season, while Clippard is owed $4.25 million in 2017 in the final year of his two-year, $12.25 million deal, which included a $4 million signing bonus.
"Huddy and Clippard we've had calls on," Stewart said. "I'm listening on them. I can't say that I'm not listening. As we get closer to the place where something may happen, I'll make a decision at that time, but right now we're not close on anything."
Stewart watched right-hander Shelby Miller in his first Triple-A start Tuesday for Reno. Miller struck out 10 while allowing three runs over 6 2/3 innings.
"He threw the ball really, really well," Stewart said. "He got to the sixth inning, and back-to-back hits and then a home run. But then he settled right back in and got himself to the seventh inning and got two outs in the seventh, and we made a pitching change because of his pitch count."