The A's are among a group of teams that have checked on free agent left-hander Brett Anderson, a source confirmed to NBC Sports California.
It's unclear if Anderson will be able to attract a Major League contract offer, but Oakland would certainly prefer a minor league deal like last year.
Anderson, 30, was effective in stretches last season but struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He finished the year 4-5 with a 4.48 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 17 starts.
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It looked like Anderson might have found something in August, where he allowed just two earned runs in his first 26 2/3 innings, but he landed on the disabled list soon after with a strained forearm.
Anderson began his career with the A's from 2009-13. He moved on to the Rockies, Dodgers, Cubs, and Blue Jays before rejoining Oakland last season. In 10 big league seasons, he has an ERA of 4.09.
[RELATED: Anderson scoreless in 16 straight innings]
The veteran southpaw could provide some much-needed depth in the A's rotation, especially during the first half of the season as Sean Manaea, Jharel Cotton, and A.J. Puk recover from injuries. As it currently stands, Oakland's rotation would likely feature Mike Fiers, Daniel Mengden, Frankie Montas, Paul Blackburn, and Chris Bassitt, with top prospect Jesús Luzardo potentially getting a shot out of spring training.
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If the A's are unable to re-sign Edwin Jackson or add another starter in free agency, Anderson represents a viable contingency plan.