Marlins "not looking to trade key pieces"; Gregg to DL; Turner returns to rotation

Whether the Marlins are able to dig themselves out of their current hole in the standings remains to be seen. But even if they're unsuccessful in doing so, don't expect them to start unloading players in a massive mid-season sell-off, ala 2012.

"We aren't looking to trade any of our key pieces," said Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill.

Hill did not distinguish "key" players from those who aren't considered as such. But you can be sure the hands-off list includes Giancarlo Stanton, whose name is constantly thrown around in trade rumors around this time every year. Christian Yelich, Casey McGehee, Adeiny Hechavarria and Marcell Ozuna likely fall into the same cartegory as Stanton.

And given the starting pitching issues that now confront the Marlins, it's hard to imagine Nathan Eovaldi, Henderson Alvarez and Tom Koehler being traded before the July 31 deadline, either.

Though no one on the Marlins has said so specifically, it's realistic to think the Marlins will do anything NOT to finish last for a fourth straight season, which is why I believe Steve Cishek isn't going anywhere, either.

For now, the front office is holding out hope the team can make a run.

“This [trade] market has been interesting because there are no real sellers,” Hill said. “I don't know if it will truly be defined until we get closer to the deadline. I would not say we are aggressively in ‘buy’ mode. But we’re aggressive in trying to find deals that will help us in the short term and the long term."

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Kevin Gregg and A.J. Ramos swapped placed on the disabled list on Friday. Gregg was placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to July 14, with right elbow inflammation while Ramos was brought off the DL to fill his spot.

Gregg had been dealing with elbow soreness heading into the All-Star break, according to manager Mike Redmond, and notified team personnel on Thursday that the condition hadn't improved.

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Redmond announced Friday that Jacob Turner would return to the rotation after being banished to the bullpen. Turner will get the start Tuesday in Atlanta.

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The Braves released Dan Uggla on Friday, but don't expect the Marlins to seek a reunion with their former second baseman. Uggla's numbers have taken a nosedive over the past 1 1/2 seasons, forcing him out of his starting job.

After Uggla clears waivers and becomes a free agent, any acquiring team would only be responsible to pay him the league minimum. The Braves would be on the hook for the rest of the $18 million still owed to him  through 2015.

The Marlins have stated an interest in obtaining a fast second baseman, and Uggla is not that.