July 28 afternoon roundup

With Zack Greinke dealt to the Angels, Cubs right-hander Matt Garza battling triceps cramping and teammate Ryan Dempster reportedly only interested in the Dodgers, it appears Marlins right-hander Josh Johnson is the biggest pitching name on the market.

According to our own T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers have talked about Johnson but are not high on the right-hander because of his past injuries.

Rays right-hander James Shields is another pitcher getting interest and ESPN’s Buster Olney reports rival executives believe the right-hander will be moved prior to Tuesday’s Trade Deadline. The Tampa Bay Times’ Marc Tompkin reports the Braves, Dodgers, Indians and Rangers are interested in the right-hander, who has club options for 2013 and 2014.

Elsewhere, the A’s are close to acquiring catcher George Kottaras from the Brewers on Saturday, as FoxSports.com’s Jon Morosi first reported. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin spoke told reporters, including our Adam McCalvy, that the deal is not yet finalized. Milwaukee designated Kottaras for assignment Thursday. He was hitting .209 this season.

- Cash Kruth