With both Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin out for the year due to Tommy John surgery, the backend of the A’s starting rotation has taken a hit.  While Sonny Gray, Scott Kazmir, and Jesse Chavez are thriving, Daniel Straily and Tom Milone have struggled.  With the A’s being strong contenders in the American League, changes will be made to a struggling rotation where pitching is key.

Although Oakland has a few options within their organization, a trade may be in the works to tidy up the rotation.  Here’s a look at five pitchers the A’s may trade for.

Jason Hammel, Chicago Cubs

Hammel has performed well in his six starts with the Cubs this season posting a 2.43 ERA and 4-1 record. The 31-year-old has battled injuries throughout his career, but has had early success with the Cubbies thus far.  Chicago may be willing to trade Hammel in order to add to their struggling roster.

Dillon Gee, New York Mets

In seven starts with the Mets this year, Gee is 3-1 with a 2.51 ERA.  The Mets might be in the market for an experienced catcher, and the A’s could deal John Jaso to solve their pitching woes.  Gee would be an improvement to the A’s rotation, and could be a target for Oakland.

Kyle Kendrick, Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies starter is 0-3 with a 3.58 ERA through six starts this year, and has experience both as a starter and relief pitcher.  Although his record isn’t anything special, he would make for a solid fourth starter in a rotation that could use some help.  With the Phillies not being a serious contender, they may be open to a trade.

Ian Kennedy, San Diego Padres

After seven starts this season, Kennedy is posting a 3.43 ERA to go along with his 2-4 record.  Kennedy was outstanding in 2011 and 2012, but has since shown a decline.  That being said, he is still an above average pitcher who could benefit the Oakland rotation.

Zack Wheeler, New York Mets

Wheeler has started six games this year and has gone 1-3 with a 5.13 ERA.  The rebuilding Mets may be open to a trade, but Wheeler is one of their young prospects, which makes this deal more unlikely.  

There’s no doubt the A’s are struggling when Straily and Milone take the mound, and it is a problem that needs to be solved. With the A’s being serious contenders they have the option to move some players around via trade, or call on guys within their organization such as Drew Pomeranz or Josh Lindblom (currently with AAA Sacramento).
Pomeranz is a good option for the A’s to try before deciding on making a trade.  Pomeranz is currently in the A’s bullpen and has pitched great posting a 1.98 ERA in 13.2 innings this year.