The Marlins aren't waiting for July to shop Ricky Nolasco.
Nolasco is very available now, and sources say the Marlins would like to deal the 30-year-old right-hander as soon possible. The Giants and Orioles are among the teams that have shown interest in Nolasco, who is 4-7 with a 3.68 ERA in 16 starts.
Nolasco makes $11.5 million, easily the most of anyone on the Marlins roster. (Adeiny Hechavarria and Placido Polanco are the next highest paid, both at $2.75 million). By putting him on the market sooner, the Marlins could save more money, but the acquiring team could also get more starts out of him. Nolasco is eligible for free agency after this season.
Starting pitching could be the busiest part of the trading market in July, with many teams looking. Teams often try to make deals for starting pitchers earlier because two or three extra starts in July can end up being significant.
Nolasco last pitched on Friday in San Francisco, but the Marlins have two scheduled off days this week, so his next start isn't until this Friday against the Padres.
