Josh Willingham went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Saturday's win over the Yankees. Nice to see he's doing his part to boost his trade value. While Willingham has a disappointing .241 batting average, he still has 13 homers and 49 RBI over 270 at-bats. He could enjoy a modest boost in fantasy value with a trade out of Oakland.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com hears that the Pirates are not discussing a package deal with the Athletics for Josh Willingham. This contradicts a report from Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review earlier in the day. Olney hears that the two clubs have only spoke about a deal involving relief pitchers, which means that Craig Breslow -- the other part of the rumored deal -- could still be on the Pirates' radar.

According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Pirates are mulling a potential trade with the Athletics for outfielder Josh Willingham and left-hander Craig Breslow. We've heard the Pirates linked to Willingham over the past couple of days, but it appears that the two clubs have begun to discuss names. According to Biertempfel, Garrett Jones would likely be "out the door" in a potential swap with Oakland.

Josh Willingham is out of the lineup Tuesday night against the Tigers. Willingham isn't hurt, but A's manager Bob Melvin is simply trying to give him two days off. He's expected to play the four remaining games on the road trip.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Pirates have contacted the A's about a possible trade for Josh Willingham. The Bucs are seeking an upgrade in the outfield, and Willingham represents a sensible option. He's not having a very good year in Oakland, but his track record suggests he'd give the Pirates a better option for right field than the Garrett Jones/Matt Diaz platoon.

FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Braves are not considering a trade for the A's Josh Willingham. The Braves want a right-handed hitting outfielder, so Willingham is an obvious fit, but he's evidently not under consideration. Ryan Ludwick, Hunter Pence and B.J. Upton would seem to be options for the Braves, but it's unclear at this point who their top target is.

Josh Willingham went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and a double Friday as the A's beat the Angels 5-3. The double in the eighth was very nearly a second homer. Willingham has gone 9-for-20 with two homers and four RBI in five games since coming off the DL. Despite having missed some time, he's Oakland's leader with 12 homers and 46 RBI.

Josh Willingham went 2-for-4 and hit his 11th homer Saturday against the Rangers. Willingham has been in fine form since coming off the DL on Thursday, going 5-for-12 in three games.

Athletics activated OF Josh Willingham from the 15-day disabled list. Willingham is back in the Oakland starting lineup on Thursday against the Rangers after spending the past couple weeks rehabbing from a strained Achilles tendon. He returns to a .718 OPS, 10 homers and 42 RBI.

A's interim manager Bob Melvin is "cautiously optimistic" that Josh Willingham (Achilles) will be ready to play in the Rangers series that begins Thursday. Willingham concurred with his manager, so evidently his Achilles has improved. He's dealt with the ailment for most of the season, so the A's are hoping the down time will allow him to put the injury in the past.