Athletics' Hill leaves game early with popped blister

With just over two weeks left until MLB's trade deadline, scouts were out in bunches to watch Oakland Athletics left-hander Rich Hill, but they didn't end up seeing much of him in action.

Hill was forced to leave Sunday's contest against the Toronto Blue Jays because of a popped blister on his throwing hand, after throwing five pitches to the game's opening hitter, Devon Travis.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

He was replaced on the mound by Andrew Triggs.

The 36-year-old was scheduled to make a start Friday, before the blister became an issue. He threw a bullpen session without any problems later that day.

Hill owns a 9-3 record with a 2.25 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, and is widely considered one of the top trade targets for teams interested in acquiring starting pitching.

The veteran hurler signed a one-year, $6-million deal with the Athletics in the offseason.