Oakland Athletics pitcher Rich Hill is in the midst of a career-best campaign that saw him post a 2.25 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP with 90 strikeouts in 76 innings during the season's first half. As the best pitcher on a non-contending team, Hill has continually been bandied about to be on the trade block. 

This could be one of the reasons Oakland is taking extra precaution with the veteran by scratching him for Friday's start with a blister. 

Rich Hill scratched from Friday start with blister. #Athletics

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 14, 2016

With Hill out of action, rookie Daniel Mengden will be moved up to Friday to start against the Toronto Blue Jays with Sonny Gray making the start on Saturday. Oakland's starter for the series finale on Sunday is still yet to be determined.