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Blue Jays reportedly still interested in Rich Hill, Josh Reddick

By Keegan Matheson

May 13, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Blue Jays remain interested in Oakland Athletics’ starting pitcher Rich Hill and outfielder Josh Reddick, according to reports this afternoon.

Following a report from Ken Rosenthal that the Los Angeles Dodgers explored a package involving both Hill and Reddick, two players the Blue Jays have also tracked, Susan Slusser built upon Toronto’s interest.

Hill, one of the top rentals on the market, was recently placed on the disabled list retroactive to July 20th as he continues to deal with a blister on his hand. The left-hander exited his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 17th without recording an out, and last made a full start on July 7th.

With four brilliant starts as a member of the Boston Red Sox last season, Hill earned himself a surprise one-year, $6 million deal with Oakland. Through 14 starts this season the 36-year-old is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA.

While his blister could slightly dampen the acquisition cost, Hill’s injury may not be as worrying to the Blue Jays as it is to other clubs. Like Toronto’s rumoured interest in Padres’ starter Tyson Ross, the rotation does not need a starter to make an impact right away. With Aaron Sanchez potentially facing a bullpen transition, or even the possibility or some creativity with the rotation, there is a relatively high level of flexibility in the situation.

Reddick fits less clearly into Toronto’s picture, especially given the recent acquisition of Melvin Upton Jr. alongside Kevin Pillar, Michael Saunders, Jose Bautista, and Ezequiel Carrera. Dalton Pompey is healthy and performing well with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons, as well.

The right-fielder is enjoying a strong year at the plate over 67 games, hitting .301 with a .373 on-base percentage and eight home runs. At his best, Reddick offers 25 home run potential with strong defence, those his fielding has not stayed at the 2012 Gold Glove level. He is making $6.575 million this season and due to enter free agency in the offseason.

Next: The difficult factors involved during/after adding a pitcher

Twitter:  @KeeganMatheson
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