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Report: Blue Jays scouted Sabathia, Cashner

Adam Hunger / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Toronto Blue Jays are apparently leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to bolster their starting rotation.

Amid the looming threat of an innings controversy with Aaron Sanchez, and the likelihood of another playoff run this summer, the Blue Jays sent scouts to division-rival New York Yankees' game Thursday to watch veteran left-hander CC Sabathia's latest start, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Sabathia struggled in his outing against the Orioles, allowing four runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings and committing an unfortunate blooper-reel balk. It marked the sixth straight start Sabathia had surrendered at least four runs, something he managed to avoid in any of his first 11 outings. Over his last three starts, the 36-year-old veteran has as many walks (six) as strikeouts.

Nevertheless, the Blue Jays are reportedly weighing a run at Sabathia, the former Cy Young winner who up until recently had been enjoying a resurgent season for the disappointing Yankees. Sabathia's contract includes a health-related vesting option for $25 million next season that comes with a $5-million buyout, though he also retains the power to veto any trade because of his 10-and-5 rights.

Heyman notes the Blue Jays also sent scouts to watch struggling Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner, the subject of increased trade speculation ahead of next week's deadline, who said Thursday: "I know I'm going to be traded."

Cashner responded to the rumors by turning in one of his strongest outings of the year in the Padres' loss to the Cardinals, allowing one run while fanning eight over 5 2/3 innings.

The reported interest in both pitchers comes on the heels of another exceptional start from Sanchez, the 24-year-old right-hander who's expected to move to the bullpen later in the season to accommodate an increased workload this summer.

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