Report: Oakland starting pitcher scouted by Cubs |
The Cubs have had a healthy business relationship with the Oakland Athletics as this year the Cubs re-attained veteran outfielder Chris Coghlan in a trade and two years ago received starting shortstop Addison Russell for pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammell.
The Chicago Cubs and six other teams scouted Oakland pitcher Rich Hill’s start for the Oakland Athletics on Saturday night according to the San Francisco Chronicle. It was Hill's first start since May 29 as he was on the disabled list with a strained groin injury. Hill is 8-3 with a 2.31 ERA with 80 strikeouts and a 1.11 WHIP in 12 starts this season. For his major league career, he is 34-26 with a 4.26 ERA with 567 strikeouts and a 1.32 WHIP. His contract is $6 million this season and he will be one of the top starting pitchers available before the trade deadline. He is expendable by the Athletics as he will be a free agent at the end of the season. The Cubs selected Hill in the fourth round (112th selection) of the 2002 amateur draft.
