Kyle Lohse rumors: Cardinals, Nationals, Indians

While the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians are not expected to pursue free agent Kyle Lohse, the Washington Nationals could pursue the right-hander as a contingency plan as insurance against a possible Gio Gonzalez suspension, according to Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post.

The Nationals face the possibility of Gonzalez receiving a 50-game ban from MLB for his connection to Biogenesis. For this reason, Washington could look to add a starting pitcher to hedge against a possible suspension.

Washington expressed interest in Lohse earlier this offseason but instead signed Dan Haren to a one-year contract. The Nationals were hesitant to surrender a first-round draft pick to acquire Lohse, but this hurdle has been removed since they've already sent the selection to the New York Yankees following their agreement with Rafael Soriano.

Related: With Bourn in hand, Lohse makes sense for Indians

Still, Lohse could prove too expensive for the Nationals. They may also not have a resolution regarding Gonzalez before Lohse makes his decision on where to sign, which could result in a logjam of starting pitchers.

All things considered, Kilgore says a Lohse signing may seem improbable for the Nationals at this point. Still, he says the team's acquisition of Edwin Jackson last season and Soriano this winter were also improbable.

For his part, GM Mike Rizzo told Jim Bowden of ESPN that Washington isn't interested in Lohse at this time.

Following the news that Chris Carpenter may miss the entire 2013 season due to injury, speculation began surrounding a possible reunion with Lohse. However, general manager John Mozeliak continues telling reporters, including Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com, that he doesn't expect to add a starter.

The Indians shocked the baseball world by signing free agent and fellow Scott Boras client Michael Bourn yesterday. However, ESPN's Buster Olney was told the club won't be pursuing Lohse.