PT TOMORROW: AL West—The murky OAK rotation

Oakland Athletics

A ravaged rotation that is slowly trying to work its way back will face some obstacles. Both Rich Hill (RHP, OAK)—strained groin—and Sean Manaea (LHP, OAK)—strained pronator tendon in his pitching arm—are throwing again, and both could return before the All-Star break. But as a 2017 free-agent-to-be and an outstanding trade chip for the non-contending A's, Hill won't be rushed. And following a start or two, he seems good as gone prior to the July 31 trade deadline. We also expect the A's to be cautious with Manaea, given his lengthy injury history and their reliance on him as part of their immediate future. In their place, Eric Surkamp (LHP, OAK) is currently in the rotation by necessity, as his 7.20/6.43 ERA/xERA...

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