Veteran Ziegler taking trade rumors in stride
Right-hander among several Marlins targeted by contenders before Deadline
MIAMI -- Marlins reliever Brad Ziegler knows the drill.
The closer it gets to Tuesday's non-waiver Trade Deadline, the more speculation grows as to which players may stay or go. Ziegler, a free agent after the season, is aware his tenure with the Marlins could soon be ending.
An 11-year big league veteran, Ziegler has learned to take the trade rumors in stride.
"I used to handle it a lot differently," the veteran reliever said. "I used to look on Twitter all the time, nonstop, and try to hear every rumor. Not just about me, but my teammates, too. I wanted to be able to tell them, 'Hey, the Red Sox are looking at you, or whatever.' As I've gotten older, I've backed away from it quite a bit."
The Cubs, Indians, Red Sox and A's are potential suitors for the 38-year-old.
According to a source, the Marlins are engaged in conversations with a number of teams regarding several players, but nothing is considered "imminent." Ziegler also isn't the only Marlins' pitcher drawing interest.
A scout from the A's was at Marlins Park on Thursday to watch right-hander Dan Straily's start against the Nationals. Straily gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings and was not part of the decision in a 10-3 loss.
Closer Kyle Barraclough and setup relievers Drew Steckenrider and lefty Adam Conley also are being evaluated by the nearly dozen scouts in Miami.
It's becoming increasingly unlikely that All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto will be dealt. Miami has set an extremely high asking price, and the team ultimately hopes to sign him to an extension in the offseason.
According to a source, earlier this week, the Nationals once again inquired about Realmuto. Since Miami is seeking a package that would include multiple players, including Washington's top two prospects -- outfielder Victor Robles and shortstop Carter Kieboom -- the conversation didn't advance too far.
The asking price also is high for Barraclough and Conley, who enter arbitration next year. Steckenrider is a rookie. Miami is seeking an overpay situation for that trio, among which Barraclough is the most coveted.
Ziegler, 38, has been through the process of being traded during the season. It first happened in 2011 from Oakland to Arizona and again in '16 from the D-backs to Red Sox.
"When I got traded to Boston in '16, I had no idea anything was happening," Ziegler said. "There were some things that had been told to me by the Arizona front office that led me to believe I was probably going to be traded later in the month."
That year, the submarine-style right-hander was dealt before the All-Star break, weeks before the Deadline.
"I can't control any of it anyway," Ziegler said. "So I just decided I'm not going to mess with it any more. When they come and tell me I'm traded, that's when I'll know."
Worth noting
• Right-hander Tayron Guerrero (left lumbar strain) threw back-to-back innings on Tuesday and Wednesday in rehab assignment games for Double-A Jacksonville. Guerrero, a native of Colombia, was back in Miami on Friday, which happened to be Colombian Heritage Night at Marlins Park. Guerrero is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. From there, he will be evaluated on when he will be reinstated.
"I'm close to ready," Guerrero said. "I want to make sure I'm 100 percent ready to help the team. I don't want to go out there at 80 percent and probably go back on the DL. I want to be healthy for the rest of the season."