Report: Blue Jays ‘heavily scouting’ D-backs’ Aaron Hill, Martin Prado ahead of deadline
Jul 6, 2014, 12:39 AM | Updated: 2:02 am
Joe Thatcher might have been the first player traded away by the Arizona Diamondbacks ahead of the July 31 deadline, but more than likely the left-handed reliever won’t be the last.
According to ESPN insider Jim Bowden, the Toronto Blue Jays have been scouting both Aaron Hill and Martin Prado with the hopes of potentially upgrading their infield — which is minus Brett Lowrie (broken finger) — before the stretch run in the American League East.
Hill, who began his career in Toronto before being acquired by Arizona in Aug. 2011, has had his fair share of struggles this season — batting .245 with six home runs and 42 RBI.
The 32-year-old’s contract with the D-backs runs through the end of the 2016 season. He’s scheduled to make $12 million in 2015.
Prado, who was part of the blockbuster deal in Jan. 2013 that sent Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves, has a .268 batting average to go along with mediocre power numbers (three home runs and 34 RBI). He also has 13 errors and 13 GIDPs on the season.
The Venezuelan is currently on the second year of a four-year deal. Arizona still owes him $22 million after the 2014 campaign.
In addition to Hill and Prado, the Blue Jays have also been watching San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley.
Although as Bowden noted, Toronto hasn’t been terribly impressed by what it’s seen from any of the three players.
