Report: Blue Jays 'working hard' to acquire starter

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly making a push to bolster their rotation ahead of Monday's trade deadline.

One day after manager John Gibbons admitted his club is in talks with the Oakland Athletics regarding right-hander Rich Hill, ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the Blue Jays are "working hard" to acquire a starting pitcher.

Olney's report came moments after the newsbreaker revealed the Royals are taking offers on Edinson Volquez, and about 24 hours after his colleague, Jayson Stark, linked Toronto to Phillies starter Jeremy Hellickson.

The Blue Jays, who moved to within a half-game of the division-leading Orioles on Friday, were believed to be exploring a trade for Andrew Cashner before he was dealt to the Marlins in a seven-player blockbuster. Entering play Saturday, Toronto's rotation ranked second in the American League with a 3.75 ERA, though there's uncertainty over whether the club will send All-Star Aaron Sanchez to the bullpen to reduce his workload.

Hill has been linked to the Blue Jays for several weeks now, but the chances of him being traded have been compromised due to a lingering blister issue on his finger. The 36-year-old journeyman, who hasn't pitched since July 17 against Toronto, owns a team-best 2.25 ERA while averaging 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings.