"Dodgers starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, the subject of increasing trade speculation, had not been asked to waive his no-trade clause for any specific club as of Monday.

"I haven't talked to Ned [Colletti, general manager] or my agent or had any meeting in recent days," said Kuroda, who would need to approve any assignment. "I haven't heard anything from anybody."

Colletti, who met with Kuroda last week and told him he would keep the pitcher informed, said Monday that no deal is imminent.

The non-waiver Trade Deadline is Sunday. Kuroda's next start -- and possibly last for the Dodgers this year -- is Wednesday night.

He said he's aware of the rumored destinations (the clubs most frequently mentioned are Detroit, Cleveland, Texas and the Yankees), but again wouldn't speculate on whether he would approve a deal.

"I haven't put a lot of thought into it," he said.

Kuroda, who signed a one-year, $12 million deal for this year, said a midseason trade of a veteran like him is rare in his native Japan and would be viewed there as a sign that a team had given up on the player.

"But I've been here three seasons and understand that this happens here and isn't a negative," he said.

Colletti said he told Kuroda that the Dodgers are interested in having him return next year, whether or not he's traded.

"This [a trade] is a totally separate issue from next year," said Kuroda.

Kuroda is not the only Dodger available because of upcoming fee agency. Infielder Jamey Carroll is another and has been rumored to draw interest from Milwaukee, among other clubs, although Kuroda clearly should bring the Dodgers the most in return. They need top prospects or Major League-ready young players. "