Ken Gurnick of MLB.com says that the Los Angeles Dodgers are in contact with free agent pitcher Braden Looper, but the chances of a deal are slim because the team cannot offer him a Major League roster sport nor can they give him the salary he wants.

Earlier this month, Looper was not willing to settle for a low base salary or a Minor League deal. He is hoping for an opportunity that may come up from an injury, trade or poor performance.

The Dodgers still need a fifth starter and are hoping to find him from a group of Scott Elbert, Charlie Haeger, Josh Lindblom, James McDonald, Carlos Monasterios, Russ Ortiz and Eric Stults.

Looper, 35, was 14-7 with a 5.22 ERA in 34 games started in 2009 with the Milwaukee Brewers. Looper had a $4.75 million one-year contract last season. You can see Looper’s contract history and statistics here.