Worst timed blister in trade deadline history keeps A's trade chip Hill out again
Hill has made just two full starts since May 29, so scouts haven't seem much of him
By
Mike Axisa
•
1 min read
The most poorly-timed blister in trade deadline history is rearing its ugly head once again.
Athletics left-hander Rich Hill, who figured to be a prime piece of trade bait at the deadline, will not make his schedule start this Sunday. He's been dealing with an ongoing blister problem.
Rich Hill will not make his Sunday start.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) July 29, 2016
Hill did long toss today, says he made 60 throws. Feels blister is much better but not to the point where he thinks he's game-ready.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) July 29, 2016
Hill tried to make a start on July 17, but had to leave after only five pitches due to the blister. He threw six innings on July 2 and another six innings July 7. Hill has thrown only those 12 innings plus five pitches since May 29 due to the blister and a groin problem.
It should be noted Hill can still be traded. Injured players are very much tradeable. The problem for the A's is the injury subtracting from Hill's value. Scouts haven't been able to see much of this guy the last two months. Remember, he's 36 and he sort of came out of nowhere last year. Teams are going to want to get as much information as possible.
Prior to the groin and blister issues, Hill had a 2.25 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 11 starts and 64 innings. He was great! Pitching like an ace. The A's figured to get a substantial return at the deadline, and now the groin and blister have thrown a big wrench into things. That's unfortunate.
The pitching market is so weak right now that I still believe some team will roll the dice and trade for Hill prior to Monday's trade deadline, even after not seeing him in action for a few weeks. The upside is great and the postseason race is too tight.
