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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Michael Pineda

By Parker Hurley

May 10, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 22, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis (29) reacts to striking out in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis (29) reacts to striking out in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Toronto Blue Jays

This may be a tough one to pull off given that both teams are in the same division. Heck, the two clubs have not pulled off a trade since 1999 when the Blue Jays sent Roger Clemens to New York. That said, if starting pitching is on the block, the Blue Jays will be calling.

The Blue Jays are dealing with an Aaron Sanchez dilemma. Their problem is that, on one hand, Sanchez is pitching amazing and made the All-Star game at age 24, his first full season in a rotation. On the other hand, he has thrown 118 innings this year. He only threw 101 innings last year, and has never thrown more than 120 innings in a season. His next start will be entering uncharted territory.  

The Blue Jays have said they would like to be cautious with Sanchez, and may limit his innings throughout the second half. They also discussed adding him into the bullpen, a spot he pitched out of through most of last season.

While either can work when it comes to limiting innings, the bigger question becomes who replaces Sanchez? Many pointed to Drew Hutchinson, a 25-year-old with an ERA under three in AAA this year. Still, Hutchinson threw over 150 major league innings in each of the past two years, and has a career ERA over 4.9 to show for it. The fact that they have not trusted him much in the MLB this year can show their direct feelings on Hutchinson.

Therefore, they have to at least be looking into Pineda. He can give them the innings that Sanchez cannot, and at least is more MLB experienced and proven than Hutchinson. He would come cheaper than an option like Rich Hill, and with RA Dickey being a free agent this year, Pineda could enter the rotation next year in a contract season with the Blue Jays.

Next: 4. Baltimore Orioles

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