Report: D-Backs ownership blocked Miller trade to Marlins

The Arizona Diamondbacks had a chance to cut their losses from the Shelby Miller trade, but were reportedly denied the opportunity thanks to ownership.

Arizona had a deal in place with the Miami Marlins at the Aug. 1 trade deadline that would have sent Miller to Florida for a package of players that included three starting pitchers, reports USA Today's Bob Nightengale, before the idea was nixed.

According to Nightengale, ownership claimed the trade wouldn't look good after what they gave up to get Miller from the Atlanta Braves in the offseason.

Miller was acquired for a package of players that included 2015 first overall draft choice Dansby Swanson last December, and struggled to a 7.14 ERA before he was optioned to the minors in mid-July.

The news comes on the brink of a report that Diamondbacks ownership is considering firing chief baseball officer Tony La Russa, general manager Dave Stewart, and senior vice president of baseball operations De Jon Watson because they're unimpressed with the team's results thus far.

Arizona sits last in the National League West with a 51-73 record, even after acquiring Miller and signing right-hander Zack Greinke to a six-year, $206.5-million deal to join Paul Goldschmidt in the desert.