A's Melvin: Rich Hill 'doubtful' to make next start

The Oakland Athletics own the most sought-after pitcher on the trade market in Rich Hill, but that won't do them any good if his health woes continue.

Manager Bob Melvin told reporters Wednesday that Hill's status for his next scheduled start Sunday is in doubt, presumably because of continuing blister issues.

Hill's most recent start was pushed back two days thanks to the blister, which first popped up Friday. When he started Sunday against Toronto, with scouts from multiple teams in attendance at the Oakland Coliseum, he lasted just five pitches before the blister popped and he was forced to leave.

The Athletics' starter for Sunday has yet to be announced.

The 36-year-old has resurrected his career in Oakland this season, owning a team-low 2.25 ERA while averaging 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings in 14 starts. His stellar season has pushed him to the head of the class for teams in search of starting pitching prior to the Aug. 1 deadline, with several teams having interest before the blister issues.

Earlier this week it was reported Oakland offered Hill to the Boston Red Sox for top pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza; the Red Sox instead chose to deal Espinoza to San Diego for left-hander Drew Pomeranz.