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At 37-51 heading into Sunday afternoon's contest, the Marlins are expected to sell a handful of veteran pieces before the end of the month. Several clubs are scouting Miami's pitching, and according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, Dan Haren, Steve Cishek, and Michael Morse are all drawing a notable amount of interest.
Dan Haren
Although he said he preferred to pitch on the West Coast before spring training, Haren has settled into Miami's rotation. He posted a 3.34 ERA heading into his start against the Reds on Sunday afternoon and could be pursued by clubs seeking a middle of the rotation starter. Haren allowed one run and struck out three against Cincinnati in his final start before the All-Star break on Sunday.
If the deal is not right for the Marlins, the organization might opt to keep him in the rotation until the end of the season. The Dodgers, Angels, or Pirates could make sense for Haren, who could help a contending squad in October. Bigger names, such as Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels, might have to be dealt before Haren is considered.
Steve Cishek
Cishek was sent to Double-A to work on his mechanics and has been used later in games with A.J. Ramos having success as the Marlins' closer. While he struggled in an appearance against the Red Sox last week, he has posted a 5.14 ERA over 28.0 innings heading into Sunday. If he bounces back in 2016, Cishek could emerge as a productive and affordable closing option.
Jonathan Papelbon and Francisco Rodriguez are also available, but with Jason Grilli out for the season, Cishek has intrigued the Twins, Tigers, Blue Jays, and Red Sox, Cafardo notes.
Michael Morse
Morse has posted a .203/.265/.294 batting line to complement three home runs and 11 RBIs through 43 games. He has spent time on the disabled list and has seen time in left field with Justin Bour starting at first base for the Marlins.
Any interested club would have to pay the remaining portion of Morse's $7.5 million 2015 salary and his $8.5 million 2016 salary. The Nationals, Pirates, Mets, Royals, and Giants are all seeking a bat and Morse could prove to be a valuable option if he thrives in the second half.