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Right-handed Oakland Athletics reliever Tyler Clippard could be the next walk year player to be moved, reports Susan Slusser for the San Francisco Chronicle. She writes, "There were indications after the A's 4-3 loss at AT&T Park that Clippard could be heading elsewhere, perhaps as soon as Monday, with the Nationals, Mets and Yankees all possibilities, according to sources."
One indication could be that Tyler Clippard did not get up to warm up as the A's were looking to rally in the top of the ninth inning as he frequently has in similar situations. Clippard has not pitched since throwing 40 pitches in one inning on Wednesday, when he allowed one run to allow a game against the Blue Jays to become tied.
On Saturday, Ken Rosenthal wrote for FOX Sports that the Mets had looked into acquiring both Tyler Clippard and super utility man Ben Zobrist. However, Rosenthal said "The Athletics ... expect to receive better offers from other clubs for Zobrist and Clippard, most likely in separate trades."
The A's acquired Clippard, 30, from the Washington Nationals for Yunel Escobar in the offseason. Escobar had two years and $14 million remaining on his deal at the time of the deal, the second year is a team option with a $1 million buyout. Clippard is earning $8.3 million in his final arbitration year. Clippard is 17-for-21 in save opportunities this season and has a 2.79 ERA in 38⅔ innings while striking out 38 and walking 21.
The A's have an off day Monday before heading to Chavez Ravine to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Nationals are off Monday before visiting the Miami Marlins, and the Mets are off Monday before hosting the San Diego Padres. The New York Yankees are visiting the Texas Rangers Monday.
Slusser also notes in her report that Ben Zobrist "is expected to be traded this week, with the Nationals, Cubs and Royals among the many teams interested." The non-waiver trade deadline is 1 PM Pacific Time Friday, July 31.
