John Gibbons says Blue Jays pursuing veteran lefty Rich Hill

MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi addresses Blue Jays manager John Gibbons' admission that the club is still in on Athletics starter Rich Hill, even though he's battling a blister.

It’s no secret the Toronto Blue Jays are actively seeking pitching help ahead of the upcoming MLB trade deadline. Manager John Gibbons confirmed to MLB Network Radio’s Jim Duquette and Jim Bowden Friday the team is targeting veteran lefty Rich Hill.

Hill, 36, is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA in 14 starts this season with the Oakland Athletics.

Hill has been dealing with a blister on his pitching hand and was forced to leave his last start — a July 17 game against the Blue Jays — after just five pitches. He had been tentatively scheduled to start for the A’s when they face the Cleveland Indians Sunday, although that has changed.

“There’s little doubt that when he is on his game, he’s got a swing-and-miss breaking ball that really makes it hard for hitters to square it up,” MLB insider Jon Morosi told Mike Wilner on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. “And he certainly has been a guy — much like Andrew Cashner over these last few starts — whose value fluctuates a lot just based on is he healthy and how’s he pitching right now?”

It’s unclear what acquiring Hill might cost the Blue Jays.

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Los Angeles Dodgers have discussed a trade that would see them acquire Hill as well as outfielder Josh Reddick. MLB.com’s Mike Petriello told Sportsnet 590 The Fan earlier this month that he would be surprised if Hill wasn’t moved before the Aug. 1 deadline.

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