Dodgers trade rumors: L.A. considered favorites for Ricky Nolasco

Right-handed pitcher Ricky Nolasco is scheduled to start on Wednesday night for the Marlins against the Braves, but he could be traded before that. The Dodgers are one of a few teams in pursuit of Nolasco and are the front runner for his services, per multiple reports.

Jayson Stark reported on Tuesday night that the Dodgers, Rangers and Rockies were in "heavy pursuit" of Nolasco, with the Dodgers considered the favorite because of their willingness to absorb all of the pitcher's remaining salary.

Conversely the Rockies are reluctant to pay the remaining salary, per Buster Olney of ESPN. Troy Renck of the Denver Post confirmed this, and also noted the Rockies would be willing to send two prospects to Miami to complete the deal in lieu of taking on salary.

Nolasco has an $11.5 million salary in 2013, so adding him on Thursday, for example, would mean he is owed approximately $5,530,055 for the rest of the season.

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reported Wednesday morning that the Dodgers are the front runners for Nolasco and that a deal could happen before Nolasco is scheduled to pitch, though we also heard similar rumors before Nolasco's last start, on Friday.

Frisaro added the Giants, Padres and Orioles to the mix and noted, "With Nolasco, it is not a matter of will he get traded, it’s when."

Andy Martino of the New York Daily News also reported that a Nolasco deal could be done as early as Wednesday.

"The Marlins are working to move Nolasco ASAP," Martino wrote, "One executive involved in talks for the pitcher predicted on Tuesday evening that he would land with the Dodgers, with the Giants a possibility and the Padres still somewhat interested."

The Marlins battle the Braves at 4 p.m. PT.