Players can be traded while on the disabled list, but it rarely happens. Teams rarely want to acquire an injured player, especially if they're just renting a veteran. Here are some injured players to watch this month and in August:
- Tommy Hanson, Angels: Hanson should be activated tomorrow after a right forearm strain. He'd a non-tender candidate in the offseason.
- Ryan Madson, Angels: Madson still hasn't pitched in a big league game since 2011, after complications following Tommy John surgery. Still, if he looks like the Madson of old on a rehab assignment, he could be a stealthy pickup for a contender next month.
- Jason Vargas, Angels: He had surgery to remove a blood clot and may be back in August. He could certainly be moved then.
- Aramis Ramirez, Brewers: His knee injury is likely to keep him out until August, but his salary should allow him to clear waivers.
- David DeJesus, Cubs: DeJesus should return this week from a shoulder strain. He could be moved, but the Cubs do have a club option for 2014.
- Ryan Sweeney, Cubs: Recovering from a rib fracture, Sweeney can't come off the 60-day DL until late August. The Cubs may prefer to try to re-sign him.
- Franklin Gutierrez, Mariners: The oft-injured center fielder is currently on a rehab assignment, trying to shake a hamstring injury. The team may not intend to exercise his 2014 club option.
- Mike Morse, Mariners: He may begin a minor league rehab assignment this week as he comes back from a quad strain. He'd probably be claimed on waivers in August, but could still be dealt.
- Frank Francisco, Mets: Remember him? Francisco's last minor league rehab appearance came a week ago. If he gets his elbow right, the Mets could move him in August.
- Jason Marquis, Padres: With a recent right elbow strain, Marquis is an August trade candidate if anything.
- Roy Halladay, Phillies: Halladay, recovering from shoulder surgery, threw a bullpen session recently. He'd clear waivers in August if the Phillies want to move him, but he'd have to show big league readiness first.
- Josh Willingham, Twins: Willingham should return next month from a knee injury. His offensive production has been way down this year, but he is cheap enough to be claimed on waivers in August.
- Jesse Crain, White Sox: He could be back this month from a shoulder strain, and the impending free agent will be well-scouted if so.
- Tim Byrdak, Mets: He's made a dozen minor league appearances on a rehab assignment following September shoulder surgery.
