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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: Daniel Bartel- Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel- Getty Images /

2. James Shields, Chicago White Sox

Shields’ days as 200-inning, 30-plus start workhorse have gone away, but he’s actually on a solid track to reach both marks this year (28 starts-176.1 innings). In five August starts Shields allowed three runs or fewer four times, so he could be an appealing target for contending teams in the waning days of the month.

Looking past his 5-15 record and 4.54 ERA this year, with mediocre peripherals (6.9 K/9, 3.4 BB/9), Shields has gone at least six innings in 22 of his 28 starts this year. So he can still be a solid innings eater, health-permitting, and that’s the kind of pitcher Oakland needs more than anything.

Shields is owed the remainder of his $21 million salary for this year, which is not necessarily ideal for the budget-conscience A’s or any other interested team. But after that he has a $16 million club option for next year, with a $2 million buyout perhaps most importantly. So the long-term cost is not great for a pitcher who has plenty of mileage on his arm, and will turn 37 in December.

Shields’ postseason experience would also be beneficial to Oakland behind the scenes, apart from anything he does on the mound.

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