Marlins trade rumors: Miami may trade Tom Koehler, Brad Hand

There have been "rumblings" that Marlins' pitchers Tom Koehler and Brad Hand may be involved in a developing trade, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. Koehler was scratched from his start on Saturday and replaced by top prospect Justin Nicolino, though Koehler told reporters that he was dealing with a stiff neck and was not able to start due to injury.

Regardless of Koehler's injury status on Saturday, Frisaro's report likely signifies that there has been talk involving the pair of pitchers in recent weeks. Miami has shopped Hand in the past, and is likely to look at moving a starter now that rookies Jose Urena and Nicolino are up in the majors alongside veterans Dan Haren, Mat Latos and David Phelps while the team waits for ace Jose Fernandez to return from injury.

Koehler, 28, has been a serviceable arm for the Marlins since breaking into the bigs in 2012, improving every year and posting a 3.76 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 79 innings so far this season. He would likely draw interest from teams looking for pitching such as the Astros or Dodgers, and may find himself out of a rotation spot once Fernandez returns and the team decides to stick with some younger starters.

Hand, 25, was linked to the Rangers in trade talks earlier in the season and has posted a 5.97 ERA in 20 appearances (three starts) this year. The lefty has the ability to start or pitch in relief.