A’s Rich Hill, Josh Reddick still trade bait; Hill is on the mend
A’s Rich Hill, Josh Reddick still trade bait; Hill is on the mend
CLEVELAND — If Rich Hill is still with the A’s later in the week, he’s slated to pitch Friday against the Cubs at the Coliseum.
Manager Bob Melvin said that Hill will throw a bullpen session Tuesday and will not wear a covering on his left middle finger, which has been healing after a blister tore off five pitches into his July 17 start.
Hill and right fielder Josh Reddick remained the focus of trade speculation Sunday, one day before the non-waiver trade deadline, although Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports A’s are also in talks with Hill about a contract extension.
Among the teams that remain interested in both: the Blue Jays and Dodgers (though Los Angeles was working to try to get Reds outfielder Jay Bruce on Sunday afternoon); the Tigers, Orioles and Rangers are among the contender who have scouted Hill extensively.
The A’s, who aren’t looking to dump salary, were leaning toward keeping both players if no substantial offers were forthcoming.
Mature response:
Danny Valencia, Oakland’s cleanup batter most of the season, wasn’t in the lineup for the third time in four games, but he’s handling it professionally, just as he did when first informed his playing time would drop with Ryon
“We’re employees, we get paid to do a job and you can’t complain about something you don’t control,” Valencia said.
Sean Doolittle (shoulder) threw long toss at a distance of 90 feet and had his best day yet, a good sign, Melvin said. ...
Josh Phegley (knee) still hasn’t been able to get in a crouch to catch. ...
Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.
Unusual bet:
Indians catcher Chris Gimenez, who is from Gilroy, lost an NBA Finals bet, picking the Warriors over the Cavs.