A’s Rich Hill not fretting over trade chatter
[...] Hill knows better than to fret over recent reports that the A’s could shop him to other teams as the trade deadline nears.
After going from the independent Long Island Ducks to one of the American League’s best starters, he keeps the focus on what he can control.
Hill, who signed with the A’s as a free agent last winter, is a strong candidate for his first All-Star Game.
In a starting rotation depleted by injuries, Hill is the lone bright spot.
Oakland pitchers not named Hill are 3-19 with a 7.97 ERA in their past 27 starts.
The Chronicle reported that “numerous teams were on hand” for Hill’s May 23 start in Seattle, when he tossed eight scoreless innings.
Hill, who suffered a mild groin strain in Sunday’s win over Detroit, will have an extra day off between starts thanks to an off-day in the A’s schedule.
Six A’s players — Hill, catcher Stephen Vogt, shortstop Marcus Semien, Henderson Alvarez, Fernando Rodriguez and Billy Butler, as well as general manager David Forst — plan to attend Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, per a team staffer.
Melvin said it was a chance to give Burns some rest while getting Butler, who has five career home runs against Twins starter Ervin Santana, in the lineup. …
Outfielder Josh Reddick (thumb) has progressed to playing catch.