Report: Diamondbacks interested in RHP Brandon McCarthy

The Diamondbacks are interested in signing A’s free-agent righthanded pitcher Brandon McCarthy according to the Arizona Republic‘s Nick Piecoro via Twitter:

Sources say Dbacks have expressed interest in free-agent RHP Brandon McCarthy, whom they also pursued as a free agent two years ago.—
Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) December 01, 2012

McCarthy, the A’s 2012 Opening Day starter, was cleared to resume baseball activities two weeks ago after being struck by a line drive to the right side of his head off the bat of the Angels’ Erick Aybar on Sept. 5. He underwent surgery to repair an epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion and skull fracture.

He reportedly plans to begin playing catch in December, then start throwing bullpen sessions in January.

McCarthy, 29, finished 2012 8-6 with a 3.24 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 111 innings for the A’s last season.

A free-agent pitcher could add to a Diamondbacks’ rotation that is likely to feature Trevor Cahill, Ian Kennedy and Wade Miley.