Hill (hand) is tentatively slated to make his next start Friday against the Cubs, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
The Athletics' rotation plans could be a moot point by Monday, as Hill, who has been dealing with a blister on his pitching hand since the All-Star break, is a top trade target for several contending clubs. Hill has thrown all of five pitches in the second half, denying interested parties opportunities to scout him, but with the Athletics clearly indicating that he's on the mend, perhaps a deal could still be reached. As an over-30 player on an expiring contract, Hill has little value to the non-contending A's, so the team may even be willing to deal the veteran hurler at a discount. Should he remain in Oakland after the deadline, Hill would toss a bullpen session Tuesday as a final hurdle before getting cleared to start Friday.