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5 Biggest Oakland Athletics Rumors Heading Into June

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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

5 Biggest Oakland Athletics Rumors Heading Into June

Right fielder Josh Reddick Oakland Athletics
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Oakland Athletics are currently last in the American League West standings, there are many rumors surrounding this team. Most of the speculation revolves around the upcoming trade deadline and the fate of many of the injured players. Let’s take a look at the five biggest A’s rumors heading into the third month of the season.

5. Sonny Gray May Be Traded

Starter Sonny Gray Oakland Athletics
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

5. Sonny Gray May Be Traded

Starter Sonny Gray Oakland Athletics
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It is very unlikely that this rumor will come to fruition. However, by the end of this season, he will have the same amount of service time as Josh Donaldson when he was traded last winter. But it is still unimaginable to trade this rising star. The A's will need his arm if they were to make a playoff push this year or even next year, since they will likely be losing their other ace, Scott Kazmir, before the trade deadline.

4. A.J. Griffin To Return By End of Month

Pitcher AJ Griffin Oakland Athletics
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

4. A.J. Griffin To Return By End of Month

Pitcher AJ Griffin Oakland Athletics
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Griffin had a minor setback during his rehab assignment in May due to some shoulder soreness, but he has returned to the mound to continue his rehabilitation. On Tuesday, Griffin pitched three scoreless innings in the Athletics’ Class A affiliate. A successful return to MLB for Griffin may make Oakland feel comfortable enough with the strength of their rotation to make a big trade involving Kazmir.

3. Jarrod Parker May Not Return As a Starting Pitcher

Pitcher Jarrod Parker Oakland Athletics
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jarrod Parker May Not Return As a Starting Pitcher

Pitcher Jarrod Parker Oakland Athletics
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Parker was pitching during his rehab assignment after his second Tommy John surgery when he incurred another scary injury. This 26-year-old fractured his elbow. Because of the numerous injuries to his elbow on his throwing arm, it is questionable as to whether Parker should still be a starting pitcher. He may be better suited for the bullpen in order to preserve his arm for the years to come, or he may have a very short MLB career.

2. Coco Crisp Could Retire After This Season

Oakland Athletics Outfielder Coco Crisp
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

2. Coco Crisp Could Retire After This Season

Oakland Athletics Outfielder Coco Crisp
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Crisp has been dealing with a pestering neck injury that has negatively affected his playing ability. In order to completely resolve this problem, Crisp would need career-ending surgery. For now, he has opted for rest and an epidural in the neck. Also, with Billy Burns finding so much success, Crisp may not get much playing time once he is somewhat healthy. Even though his contract is through 2016, Crisp may opt to retire early.

1. Likely To Be Sellers Leading Up To Trade Deadline

Starter Scott Kazmir Oakland Athletics
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

1. Likely To Be Sellers Leading Up To Trade Deadline

Starter Scott Kazmir Oakland Athletics
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Because of their poor start to the season, it is has been rumored -- actually more expected -- that Oakland will be sellers come the trade deadline. From Kazmir and Stephen Vogt to Ben Zobrist and Josh Reddick, there have been a handful of players rumored to be sold off before July 31. Even though the team went through an overhaul this offseason, we may see another mid-season rebuild if the team is not in postseason contention by the end of July.

Samantha Riley is an Oakland Athletics writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow her on twitter @Riless22.

Samantha Riley is a writer for RantSports.
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