NEW YORK -- Los Angeles Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda would consider waiving his no-trade clause if he were traded to the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox, according to a baseball official with knowledge of the situation.
There is a common perception that Kuroda only wants to remain in Los Angeles, but the official said that is a "myth" and Kuroda will consider his options, if dealt. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reported on Sunday that Kuroda has not ruled any team out in his discussions with the Dodgers related to his no-trade clause, and so the Dodgers will take the offers to him on a case-by-case basis.
The Yankees showed interest in Kuroda this offseason. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman never could offer Kuroda a contract because he was waiting on Cliff Lee to make his decision. By the time Lee signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kuroda was off the market.
Kuroda, 36, leads the National League in losses, but his 6-12 record is deceptive -- his ERA is 3.19.
In his last six starts, Kuroda is 1-4 with a 2.89 ERA. For the season, the Dodgers are averaging fewer than three runs per game in Kuroda's starts. In his fifth season with the Dodgers, Kuroda is an overall 34-42 with a 3.52 ERA.
The Yankees have faith that his stuff could work in the American League East. They would like to a land a top-of-the-line starter, but so far have found the market thin.
The Colorado Rockies are listening on Ubaldo Jimenez, but Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd is looking for a "Herschel Walker-type" trade, making it unlikely the Yankees would make such deal. If O'Dowd's demands come down, the Yankees could be players.
The Yankees are willing to give up top catching prospect Jesus Montero in the right trade, but are less inclined to trade any of their top young pitchers.
Ivan Nova -- who's won eight major league games -- was demoted to Triple-A even though the Yankees still have big expectations for him. Nova could be back by Saturday to start one end of the day-night doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.
Double-A Trenton starters Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos are two pitchers that Cashman likely won't trade unless it is for a big-time starter.
Since Lee spurned the Yankees, Cashman has wanted to add a No. 2 starter. Right now, the Yankees have a certified ace in CC Sabathia. After that, it is uncertain whom manager Joe Girardi would start in a potential postseason Game 2.
A.J. Burnett, Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia would be the candidates. Phil Hughes, who starts Wednesday, is now fighting for his spot in the rotation.
If Hughes pitches poorly again, Nova could reclaim Hughes' place full-time.
Andrew Marchand covers the Yankees for ESPNNewYork.com.