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Sean Manaea injury: 5 replacements A’s need to trade for to soothe the pain

By Brad Berreman

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Sean Manaea #55 of the Oakland Athletics pitches in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on August 24, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Sean Manaea #55 of the Oakland Athletics pitches in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on August 24, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Duane Burleson/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Duane Burleson/Getty Images /

4. Francisco Liriano, Detroit Tigers

Since the calendar flipped to July, Liriano’s ERA has risen from 3.99 to 4.82 (6.43 ERA and a 28:24 K/BB ratio over his last 10 appearances-nine starts). That’s a testament to the maddening inconsistency that has been an issue over his entire career, and if he were pitching for a better team his rotation spot would be in far greater peril.

Oakland would be one of those better teams of course. But Liriano is also a low-cost rental, and he’s been very tough on left-handed hitters this year (.138/.233/.225 slash-line). If the A’s move toward some sort of Rays-esque “opener” strategy in September Liriano could fit nicely against lefty-heavy lineups, as a “starter” or a bullpen piece to fill a few innings mid-game.

Cost is an ongoing and overriding factor for Oakland, and Liriano still fits the idea of buying low on potential while requiring no commitment beyond this season. If deployed properly, or if he somehow finds another level down the stretch pitching for a contender, Liriano can be a helpful piece for the A’s. And he should come pretty cheap.

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