Gibson Said to Be Topic of Trade Talk

Will the Dodgers’ pursuit of a fifth starting pitcher result in Kirk Gibson returning to the Detroit Tigers?

Nothing is in place, but the two clubs apparently have discussed that possibility, according to sources who requested anonymity Thursday.

Dodger Vice President Fred Claire said it is his policy not to confirm or deny names of players and clubs he may or may not be talking with, but he added that the acquisition of a fifth starting pitcher is “very important to me.”

“I don’t want to go with a four-man rotation, so in addressing that situation I’m not ruling out any possibility, and I don’t think it would serve a purpose to trade pitching for pitching,” he said.

The Dodgers have been unsuccessful in their bid to replace injured Orel Hershiser from within and are going with a four-man rotation through the All-Star break.

It is not clear whom the Tigers would give up for Gibson, but a possibility is left-hander Steve Searcy, a one-time prospect who has overcome arm injuries and is pitching effectively again with Detroit’s triple-A affiliate in Toledo, Ohio.

Gibson spent eight seasons with the Tigers before becoming a free agent in a 1987 collusion ruling that led to his signing by the Dodgers.

He makes his home in Lapeer, Mich., and has said he would agree to return to the Tigers.

Gibson could not be reached for comment, but he is also said to have told friends on other teams it might be a good time for the Dodgers to trade him, because he can leave as a free agent when the season ends.

The risk of injury to Gibson’s vulnerable legs would be diminished in the American League, where he could be used as a designated hitter. Detroit, according to the sources, is not the only American League team with which Claire has discussed a trade.

Times staff writer Bill Plaschke contributed to this story.