Dodgers talking to Cubs about potential deal for Carlos Marmol

The Dodgers appear to be making progress on a deal to acquire embattled reliever Carlos Marmol from the Chicago Cubs, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke under the condition of anonymity because a trade hasn’t been finalized.

Marmol, 30, was designated for assignment last week. He was an all-star in 2008, but was 2-4 with a 5.86 earned-run average this season and lost his job as the Cubs’ closer.

Marmol is in the final year of a three-year contract and is still owed around $5 million.

It is unknown what the Dodgers would send to the Cubs in return, or if Marmol would be part of a multi-player package heading to the Los Angeles.

News of the potential trade was first reported by ESPN Chicago, which wrote that the two teams were “closing in” on a trade.

Whatever the case, Marmol isn’t expected to immediately go to the major leagues if acquired by the Dodgers. Because he hasn’t pitched since June 20, he would likely first make a stop in the minor leagues or at the Dodgers’ spring training complex.

Last season, the Dodgers acquired and turned around another struggling former closer in Brandon League.

League similarly lost his job as closer with the Mariners last season and was traded to the Dodgers in exchange for two low-level prospects. League saved six games and posted a 2.30 ERA in 28 appearances, which he parlayed into a three-year, $22.5-million deal with the Dodgers.

However, League has reverted to his early-season form from last year, which, again, has resulted in him losing his job as closer. League is 3-3 with a 5.83 ERA this season.