by Jon Paul Morosi

Doug Davis could be in the D-backs' future trade plans. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

Peña isn't scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2012 season and was far from the most obvious trade candidate on the roster.

Here's another:

One executive with knowledge of Arizona's plans said the team has spent much more of its time attempting to trade left-handed starter Doug Davis, right-handed starter Jon Garland and infielder Felipe Lopez.

So, don't be surprised if those players are dealt away before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

At the same time, the source indicated that it's now "less likely" that the Diamondbacks will trade reliever Chad Qualls, who has drawn interest from the Yankees.

Moving Qualls, who isn't scheduled to enter free agency until after next season, would further deplete the team's 2010 bullpen. At the very least, the price tag for Qualls will probably be higher now.

Davis (3-8, 3.15 ERA entering Tuesday) and Garland (4-8, 4.80) have each pitched in the postseason. Both have expiring contracts, although Garland holds a $10-million mutual option for next year. With that combination of factors, it was a near-certainty that the last-place Diamondbacks were going to make them available.

The Brewers, who had lost four of five games entering Tuesday, have an obvious need for a starting pitcher — as Ryan Braun pointed out over the weekend. Davis, a former Brewer, is a candidate to return.

Several teams are looking for infield help, so general manager Josh Byrnes should be able to find a new home for Lopez, who is earning $3.5 million on a one-year deal.

While the St. Louis Cardinals expect Mark DeRosa (left wrist strain) to return after the All-Star break, they could pursue Lopez as a versatile defender who would have value in the short and long term; Lopez batted .385 in 43 games for St. Louis last year.

A number of middle infielders are available, including Pittsburgh's Freddy Sanchez and Cleveland's Jamey Carroll. Minnesota is in the market to add depth there; when asked about that scenario, one scout quipped, "Carroll is the right size to be a Twin." He's listed at 5-foot-9 — same as the popular Nick Punto.