MIAMI -- At a time the Marlins are bracing to be without left-hander Wei-Yin Chen for at least a month, the club continues to be active on several trade fronts for a starting pitcher.
The rotation took a hit when Chen went on the disabled list on Monday with a left elbow sprain. Best-case scenario is Chen rests for about three weeks, begins building up and is healthy by early September.
Miami is casting a wide net, exploring a number of options, and the organization has at least "checked in" on a half dozen possibilities, including Andrew Cashner (Padres), Jeremy Hellickson (Phillies), Wade Miley (Mariners), Ivan Nova (Yankees) and Tommy Milone (Twins).
The general feeling is the Marlins will make at least one deal prior to Monday's non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Ideally, the Marlins would like to obtain a starter who is controllable beyond this season. Cashner, Hellickson and Nova are all free agents in 2017 and would basically be rentals down the stretch.
Miley and Milone, a pair of left-handers, have been targets of the Marlins in the past. Miley is signed through 2017. This season, the six-year veteran is making $6,167,000, and his salary jumps to $8,917,000 in 2017.
Milone is arbitration eligible in 2017 and a free agent in 2019.
If the Yankees were to make Michael Pineda available, the Marlins would be interested.
The question is return.
The Marlins have a relatively slim Minor League system, and they don't want to deal players off their big league roster. The organization also doesn't have any prospects considered untouchable.