Dodgers to reportedly pursue Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon

The Dodgers are expected to go after Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, Mark Saxson of ESPNLosAngeles.com reported Wednesday.

The Dodgers are expected to go after Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, Mark Saxson of ESPNLosAngeles.com tweeted Wednesday. 

The news comes just days after it was reported that the 33-year-old five-time All-Star talked about the idea of being traded to a winning club. The Phillies are currently 42-53 -- fifth in the NL East -- while the Dodgers sit atop the NL West, so his no-trade clause shouldn't be an issue from that standpoint should the opportunity present itself to leave Philadelphia for a contender.

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Papelbon, who won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2007, is making $13 million this season and will earn another $13 million next year, and the Dodgers have the flexibility to take on the remaining portion of his salary. 

Through 37 1/3 innings, Papelbon has a 1.32 ERA with a .86 WHIP and 22 saves in 24 chances. For a career, he has an ERA of 2.33 and 308 saves. 

The trade deadline is July 31. 

Spoke to a baseball source today who said he expects the #Dodgers to pursue Jonathan Papelbon

— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) July 16, 2014

- Marc Weinreich