MIAMI -- Briefly before the All-Star break and immediately afterwards, Marlins manager Don Mattingly addressed trade rumors with his players. The message he delivered was for the club to focus on what only they can control, which is showing up and playing hard every day.
After being swept by the Dodgers over the weekend, the Marlins entered Monday against the Phillies with a 41-49 record -- 14 games back of Washington in the National League East and 10 off the pace for the second Wild Card spot.
The non-waiver Trade Deadline is July 31, and several Marlins already have been mentioned in potential deals. Reliever David Phelps is drawing the most interest, with teams also weighing in on closer AJ Ramos.
"I watch MLB [Network], and all they do is talk about trades this time of year," Mattingly said. '"Who's going where? Is this guy going here? This is a good fit.' It's just that time of year that really heats up. It heats up for everyone. It's something we've talked about [as a team] just a little bit, just because of where we're at and all the talk.
"Every team deals with it. It's not something just the Marlins deal with. This is for everyone."
Teams have checked in on outfielders Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna, but they've been informed they aren't available. Perhaps that will change by the end of the month.
Ramos, an All-Star closer in 2016, is aware of the trade talks because it is prominent on social media.
"You just have to go out and play and do things you know you're capable of, and go from there," Ramos said. "If you get traded, you get traded. If you sit there and think about it, it can make you do too much or less. It makes you focus on something you shouldn't be focused on. I try to block it out, and deal with it when it comes."
Third baseman Martin Prado and second baseman Dee Gordon also are possibilities to be moved by the end of the month.
Gordon has been traded before, in December 2014 from the Dodgers to the Marlins, and understands it's part of the game.
"There's not much I can do, other than play baseball," Gordon said. "I'm a Marlin until the day I'm gone. I can't go off of, 'Who am I'm going to play for, if I'm not playing for them?' I'm in the lineup for the Marlins. All I can do is be the best player I am for them."