Ryan Madson Drawing Trade Interest

With right-hander Ryan Dull in the midst of a breakout season, the 38-50 Athletics could be more inclined to listen to trade offers for other relievers prior to the Aug. 1 deadline, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Teams were already showing interest in southpaw Sean Doolittle as of two weeks ago, but that was before he hit the disabled list June 30 with a shoulder strain. Clubs are now looking at fellow late-game option Ryan Madson, reports Slusser, who lists the Blue Jays, Nationals and Cubs as teams on the hunt for relief help. There are no indications, however, that the A’s are looking to deal anyone from their bullpen, per Slusser.

Madson, 35, joined the A’s on a three-year, $22MM contract last December and has converted 17 of 22 save opportunities in his first 37 1/3 innings in Oakland. One of those five blown save chances occurred Sunday for the righty, who has recorded a 3.62 ERA, 7.47 K/9, 3.13 BB/9 and 39.1 percent ground-ball rate.

Madson’s 2016 output has been markedly worse than the production he compiled last year as a member of the World Series champion Royals, with whom he posted a 2.13 ERA, 8.24 K/9, 1.99 BB/9 and 55 percent ground-ball mark in 63 1/3 frames. That represented an improbable and tremendous rebound for Madson, who hadn’t pitched in the majors since 2011 because of elbow issues. Previous to that, he served as a relief weapon in Philadelphia for several years. Madson averaged in the 94 mph range with his fastball during his days as a Phillie, and he has continued to do that since returning to the league last season.