Hill to remain sidelined with Blue Jays, others in pursuit

Rich Hill, among the more sought-after names being mentioned in this summer's rumor mill, won't pitch again before Monday's deadline after he was scratched from his next start because of ongoing blister issues.

The Oakland Athletics made the announcement prior to Friday's game in Cleveland, where Hill said his left middle finger began to feel "hot" during a long toss session, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

"It feels like we're making good progress but if we run out there and end up in a situation like we were last time, we're pushing it back even more," Hill, who hasn't pitch since July 17 against Toronto, told reporters. "We're already at two weeks at this point. .. Let it heal, build up, keep making progress. Right now, it's still soft."

The setback prevents teams from seeing Hill pitch Sunday, a day before the non-waiver trade deadline, though general manager David Forst said the A's weren't concerned with how the injury would affect the right-hander's perceived value.

"We were never not going to do what was best for Rich," Forst said.

Earlier Friday, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told MLB Network Radio that his club was engaged in talks to acquire Hill, the 36-year-old journeyman who's enjoyed a late-career resurrection with Boston and Oakland. In 14 starts this season, Hill owns a team-best 2.25 ERA while averaging 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings.

"I think we are in on everybody everyone else is," Gibbons said.

Among the teams reported to have expressed interest in Hill, an impending free agent, are the Dodgers, Rangers, and Orioles.