Athletics Rumors: A's Shopping Brian Fuentes

The Oakland Athletics are attempting to trade veteran left-hander Brian Fuentes, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

The A's are trying to move veteran lefthanded reliever Brian Fuentes, who hasn't been a good match for Oakland for whatever reason.

Fuentes is making $5 million this season and his contract includes a $6.5 million team option or $500,000 buyout for 2013. Over his 23 2/3 innings of work, the 36-year-old has only mustered an ERA and WHIP of 6.85 and 1.563 with 6.5 SO/9 and 3.4 BB/9.

Still, Heyman believes there could be a taker for Fuentes, as he notes the veteran southpaw may just not be a good fit for the A’s.

Oakland’s willingness to part with Fuentes doesn’t signal the beginning of a fire sale, reports Heyman. He says the A’s are "hanging tough and exceeding expectations" for the time being.

Fuentes signed with the A’s in January of 2011 and went on to appear in 67 games for the club last season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 3.70 and 1.234.

After the Andrew Bailey trade, Fuentes entered spring training 2012 as one of the favorites to land the A’s vacant closer job. However, the role was eventually handed to veteran right-hander Grant Balfour.