Scott Kazmir expected to make next scheduled start following another minor arm problem - MLB

Some very good news here for the Athletics, who are certain to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Scott Kazmir — who left his last start with a triceps injury — is expected to make his first scheduled start coming out of the All-Star break next Saturday night against the Twins. Kazmir long-tossed without issue on Saturday afternoon and he will throw a bullpen session early this week.

Kazmir has been bothered by various minor arm problems throughout the 2015 regular season, but the 31-year-old still owns a sharp 2.49 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 96/34 K/BB ratio in 101 1/3 innings.

If his health cooperates, Kazmir will be a big-time trade chip for Oakland.

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CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Guardians traded outfielder Will Benson to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday for outfielder Justin Boyd.

The defending AL Central champions also will get a player to be named from the Reds in the swap.

Cincinnati drafted Boyd in the second round last year out of Oregon State. He led the Pac-12 with a .373 batting average and 24 steals in 2022. The 21-year-old batted .203 in 73 at-bats for Class-A Daytona.

The 6-foot-5 Benson spent 28 games with the Guardians last season, batting .182 with three RBIs in 28 games. The 24-year-old struggled at the plate, striking out 19 times in just 55 at-bats.

Benson was once considered one of Cleveland’s top outfield prospects, but has since been surpassed by Steven Kwan, Oscar Gonzalez and Will Brennan.