Major League Baseball

Sources: Jays, Rockies talk Guthrie

Published Jun. 17, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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The Rockies want to trade right-hander Jeremy Guthrie. The Blue Jays want to boost their injury-depleted rotation.

Such are the makings of a possible trade.

While no deal appears imminent, the teams have discussed an exchange that would send Guthrie to the Jays, according to major league sources.

The Jays likely would assume a significant portion of Guthrie’s remaining salary — just under $5 million — in exchange for a lesser prospect, possibly Double-A first baseman Mike McDade, sources said.

Such a move would signal that the Jays, despite losing three starting pitchers to injuries in a span of four games last week, do not intend to concede their season.

The team currently is 6-1/2 games behind the first-place Yankees in the AL East and three behind the co-leaders for the wild cards, the Orioles and Rays.

A Guthrie trade is but one option for both the Rockies and Jays.

The Rockies also are discussing Guthrie with other clubs, and the Jays also are exploring deals for other starting pitchers, sources said.

If the Jays acquired a veteran starter and later fell out of contention, they could always attempt to flip that pitcher before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

Guthrie, 33, is 3-6 with a 7.02 ERA this season, but has had worse results at Coors Field (9.53 ERA) than on the road (4.70). He also was out from April 28 to May 15 due to a right shoulder sprain that he suffered in a biking accident. He has made seven starts since returning, and his health does not appear to be an issue.

The Rockies acquired Guthrie from the Orioles on Feb. 6 for right-handers Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom. Guthrie had decent success pitching in the AL East, averaging 196-2/3 innings and producing a 4.12 ERA with the Orioles from 2007 to ’11.

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