Starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco wasn't expected to make his scheduled start against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night. Many felt Nolasco was going to be traded prior to the game in order to create a roster spot for Henderson Alvarez.
Nolasco pitched well, only gave up a pair of runs to a Braves lineup he has struggled against, and as a result, likely increased his trade value.
Nolasco was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night in exchange for pitchers Steve Ames, Josh Wall, and Angel Sanchez. Sanchez was the Dodgers' eighth best prospect and has been considered the centerpiece of the deal for Miami.
In terms of the timing, the Marlins got a deal they should be satisfied with. Nolasco is going to be a free agent after the season, and if he remained a Marlin, wouldn't have resigned with the team. Instead, Miami got all they could for the right hander.
The deal Miami got was also ideal because of the financial aspects of the trade. Not only did the Dodgers send the three prospects to the Marlins, but they are also going to pay the $5.5 million Nolasco is owed for the rest of the year.
#Dodgers acquired pitcher Ricky Nolasco from the #Marlins in exchange for minor league pitchers Steven Ames, Josh Wall and Angel Sanchez. (@Dodgers)
-Marlins Trade Ricky Nolasco to Dodgers for 3 Prospects | Bleacher Report
In terms of the Marlins' side of the deal, they get three promising players for the future while still in the midst of rebuilding. Miami sits in last place in the National League with a record of 32-54 after Saturday's 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
-Dodgers get Ricky Nolasco in trade with Marlins - CBSSports.com
The Nolasco trade continues an amazing purge of salary by the Marlins. Adeiny Hechevarria and Placido Polanco, who both make $2.75 million, are now the team's highest-paid players (and Polanco could be dealt away later this month). The money isn't a problem for the deep-pocket Dodgers, even though they already have baseball's highest payroll. By taking on all of the money, the Dodgers acquired Nolasco without parting with any of their top prospects. Ames (25) and Wall (26) are right-handed relievers who have been pitching at Triple-A Albuquerque. Sanchez is a 23-year-old right-handed starter who has been in Class A.
-Nolasco thankful for times with Marlins " The Fish Pond
Ricky Nolasco, a Southern California native, is thankful for his years with the Marlins and he welcomes his opportunity to return home. The Marlins on Saturday night completed a trade with the Dodgers, sending Nolasco to Los Angeles for three pitching prospects. "I’m definitely excited. It’s L.A., the team that I grew up going to the games as a kid and stuff," Nolasco told MLB.com. "It’s kind of surreal now, until I’m actually there. It will take time to sink in, but I’m definitely excited. My whole family couldn’t be happier. I’ll try to blend in as quickly as I can."
-Dodgers reach deal for Marlins all-time wins leader Ricky Nolasco | www.palmbeachpost.com
The Marlins sent the veteran right-hander to the Dodgers late Saturday for three prospects, ending the Marlins career of the franchise leader in wins (81), strikeouts (1,001), starts, and innings (1,225.2). "Ricky’s been terrific not only through the last couple of weeks which has been difficult with all the rumors," Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. "I think he realized a trade was inevitable but you still have to deal with these things. To Rickey’s credit he a great job." The Dodgers will pay all of the approximately $5.7 million remaining on Nolasco’s $11.5 million 2013 salary. "There were a number of conversations where there was going to be money included from outside," Beinfest said. "In the end this deal worked in total. We did what we had to do and to be able to send Ricky west feels good."
-Dodgers send prospects to Marlins for Nolasco - Sportsnet.ca
The Marlins got back what they covet most: prospects with small salaries and potential, albeit not the most coveted ones in the Dodgers’ farm system. The 26-year-old Wall went 0-1 with an 18.00 ERA in six relief appearances for the Dodgers this season. He is 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA in 25 games for Triple-A Albuquerque. Ames, 25, was 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA in 30 appearances for Albuquerque this year. Sanchez, 23, is a combined 2-7 with a 4.67 ERA in 16 games (15 starts) with Single-A Great Lakes and Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.
The Dodgers acquired right-handed pitcher Ricky Nolasco from the Miami Marlins for minor league right-handed pitchers Steven Ames, Josh Wall and Angel Sanchez. Dodgers also acquired international signing bonus slot No. 96 valued at $197,000.
Ames recorded 18 saves with a 1.56 ERA at Double-A last season and made the Southern League All-Star team. — Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 7, 2013
"The whole deal just made sense. Three arms, three very good arms, one starter two relievers." (President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest)
Wall is a hard-throwing righty who racked up 28 saves at Triple-A last season.
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 7, 2013
Angel Sanchez, #Dodgers 8th rated prospect, according to http://t.co/RsMhXZdLeS, is considered key young arm in deal for #Marlins
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 7, 2013
Nolasco: Some of the best times of my life have come in miami, & i thank mr. loria, (samson), (hill) & (beinfest) for treating me so well.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 7, 2013
"#Marlins turned Nolasco into 3 live arms, but none of these guys are sure things & all may end up as bullpen material." - @MinorLeagueBall.
— 'Stros Fan (@astroslogy) July 7, 2013
#Marlins will slot Kevin Slowey in Nolasco's spot on Monday vs #Braves
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 7, 2013