MLB Trades: 5 Injured Players Who May Still Be Dealt by the Deadline

Although it's not common, Major League Baseball does permit teams to trade players who are currently on the disabled list throughout the course of the season.

Although some contenders may not be willing to take a risk on a player who has spent a significant amount of time on the DL, others may take extreme measures and attempt to reel in a talented player who may not be the most healthy at the time the deal is struck.

Regardless, here is a list of five currently ailing players who may still be dealt by July 31.

Brad Hawpe

Brad Hawpe has been on the DL since June 19 due to problems with both a strained finger and his left elbow, which may be more serious than was initially expected. At last report, Hawpe's manager Bud Black said the elbow injury was ligament-related, meaning it was difficult to mend.

Regardless, Hawpe, who was shipped to Tampa Bay late last season to help with a postseason run, is still being talked about in the rumor mill surrounding the July 31 trade deadline.

Currently, Hawpe is batting .231 with four home runs and 19 RBI in 62 games with the San Diego Padres.

Casey Blake

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Casey Blake has been on the DL since July 3 with a cervical strain and, although he was eligible to come off the 15-day DL yesterday, he reportedly still has no timetable for a return to the diamond.

Currently, Blake is batting .243 with four home runs and 18 RBI through 44 games. Blake has hit at least 10 home runs in each of the past nine seasons with a high of 28 in 2004 with the Indians.

A mid-season addition of Blake, assuming he returns to form, could provide a contender with a solid defender and good bat.

Ivan Rodriguez

Washington Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez has been on the 15-day DL since July 7 with a strained right oblique, but is expected to return to action sometime this month. That being said, team GM Mike Rizzo has stated that he does plan on fielding trade calls on the veteran catcher.

Currently, Rodriguez is batting .214 with two home runs and 19 RBI in 39 games with the Nationals. His playing time in Washington has diminished greatly since the team acquired Wilson Ramos from the Minnesota Twins last season.

Rodriguez could prove to be an emotional leader for a contender looking to acquire a veteran force for its roster.

Kevin Slowey

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey has been on the DL with an abdominal strain since May 21, although he recently completed his third rehab start in the minor leagues and could be ready to return to the majors soon.

Around the time of Slowey's injury, NBCSports.com reported that the Twins were planning to demote Slowey to Triple-A until they could find a trade partner for the 27-year-old right-hander, which leads to further speculation that the team will likely deal Slowey before the deadline.

Currently, Slowey is 0-0 through six starts with the Twins and currently has a 4.91 ERA with seven strikeouts and one walk.

Erik Bedard

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Erik Bedard, who has been on the DL with a sprained left knee since June 28, may be one of the best available starters with the trade deadline rapidly approaching.

So far this season, Bedard has gone 4-6 and currently has a 3.00 ERA with 85 strikeouts and 26 walks through 15 starts with the Mariners. He's also managed to hold opponent's to a .222 batting average against.

We've seen Bedard's trade value drop in previous years because of untimely injuries, however this one seems to be less serious. He's already completed numerous bullpen sessions in recent weeks and is expected to return to the mound in time to face the Boston Red Sox during the Mariners' July 22-24 series at Fenway.