Marlins Rumors: Carlos Lee, John Buck, Josh Johnson, Heath Bell

The Miami Marlins are expected to retain right-hander Josh Johnson through today’s trade deadline, though they are working on potential deals involving other players, such as Carlos Lee, John Buck and Heath Bell, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com:

Johnson is expected to remain with the Marlins, but some other possible deals are in the works, according to a source.

The Marlins are seeking outfield help, and they are exploring the trade market.

Miami is trying to trade catcher John Buck, who is signed through 2013. Buck is making $6 million this year and next. The 32-year-old is batting .169 with eight homers and 26 RBIs.

Frisaro says if Buck is traded, the Marlins could look to promote catcher Rob Brantly, one of the prospects they picked up in the trade that sent Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez to the Detroit Tigers.

Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports that the Marlins are "trying to unload" Lee, who they acquired from the Houston Astros earlier this year. Bob Nightengale of USA Today says Miami will place Lee on waivers if they can't trade him today.