Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times considers Carlos Marmol a "likely candidate to be traded" if he healthy and effective prior to the deadline. Marmol, who just landed on the DL with a hamstring injury, is making $7 million this season and will earn $9.8 million in 2013. The Cubs aren't going to be in contention either year, so they wouldn't mind getting out from under his contract. What level of prospect they're able to get in return will likely depend on whether the inconsistent reliever gets hot at the right time.

An MRI taken Saturday on Carlos Marmol's injured right hamstring showed only minimal damage. Good news for Marmol and the Cubs. There is no timetable yet for his return, but he may be able to come back after the minimum 15-day stint on the disabled list. Though Rafael Dolis has taken over at closer, it's a role that is likely too see rapid turnover this summer. And Marmol could even work his way back into the mix.

Cubs placed RHP Carlos Marmol on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Marmol, who lost his role as closer last week, was sent to Chicago for an MRI after leaving Friday's game in the seventh inning. The Cubs have recalled right-hander Casey Coleman in a corresponding move.

Carlos Marmol (hamstring) will undergo an MRI in Chicago on Saturday. Marmol is almost certainly looking at a DL stint, given the Cubs used every reliever in their bullpen Friday. Scott Maine -- who appeared in five games earlier this month -- is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Iowa.

Carlos Marmol was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain. Initial speculation was that Marmol suffered some sort of arm injury, but it's actually his hamstring. No word on whether he'll require a stint on the disabled list, but a potential rehab assignment might not be the worst way to try to get him back on track performance-wise. Stay tuned.

Carlos Marmol exited Friday's game against the Brewers in the seventh inning with an apparent arm injury.

David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com reports that Cubs manager Dale Sveum has officially informed Carlos Marmol that he is no longer the team's closer. Rafael Dolis and James Russell will now pitch the ninth inning in a matchup-based approach. Kerry Wood could also eventually be an option, but the Cubs will use him in the sixth and seventh inning initially after he was activated from the DL Thursday. It's probably just a temporary demotion for Marmol, and we're not convinced that Dolis or Russell will run away with the job. Both are worth scooping up in fantasy leagues, though.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Thursday that he is considering removing Carlos Marmol from the closer role. Marmol imploded yet again Thursday after inheriting a 3-0 lead against the Reds. After walking the first two batters he faced, Brandon Phillips then hit a potential double-play ball which went off Ian Stewart's glove to score a run. Marmol then gave up a single to Jay Bruce to load the bases and walked Ryan Ludwick to force in a run. The tying run scored after he was pulled in favor of Rafael Dolis and the Reds went on to win the game 4-3 in 10 innings. Marmol was charged with only one earned run, but he still has a terrible 6.23 ERA and 8/12 K/BB ratio over 8 2/3 innings. Sveum mentioned Dolis and James Russell as his only alternatives, which rules Kerry Wood out of the mix. Dolis and Russell don't inspire much confidence, either, but feel free to speculate if you need saves.

Carlos Marmol pitched a perfect ninth with a four-run lead Friday against the Cardinals. Marmol seems to have shaken off the loss and blown save he took in his first two appearances. He hasn't allowed a hit in his last three. He's walked two, but he's also struck out four in the 2 1/3 innings.

Carlos Marmol got off on the wrong foot in Thursday's Opening Day contest, giving up the winning run in a 2-1 loss to the Nationals. Marmol entered in the ninth inning of a tie game, retired the first two batters, and then surrendered a double and RBI single that turned out to be the game-winner. Coming off the worst season since his rookie campaign, Marmol could be a hit-or-miss closer all season.