In a recent move aimed at bolstering their pitching staff, the Boston Red Sox have welcomed back seasoned left-hander Rich Hill. The 44-year-old pitcher has returned to the team, marking his fourth stint with the Red Sox, which initially began over a decade ago.
Hill's career with the Red Sox spans various periods, having previously pitched in Boston from 2010 to 2012, in 2015, and more recently in 2022. As a Massachusetts native, his return not only adds experience to the roster but also brings a touch of local pride to the team.
This time, Hill signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on August 15. His contract was subsequently selected, and he was added to the active roster. This decision was influenced by his recent impressive performance for Triple-A Worcester, where he delivered a scoreless two-inning appearance. Such contributions are particularly vital for a team currently plagued by injuries within its pitching staff.
The Red Sox’s roster has faced significant setbacks this season. Pitcher Lucas Sims has been placed on the IL with a right lat strain, while Brad Keller was demoted in a series of corresponding moves. Furthermore, Bryan Mata has yet to pitch this season due to hamstring, shoulder, and elbow issues. The team also underwent another blow when Garrett Whitlock was lost to elbow surgery after just four starts. Adding to their woes, Chris Murphy's UCL gave out before he could make a start, and James Paxton recently sustained a calf injury.
With such instability in the pitching lineup, Hill’s experience and reliability become crucial. Over the course of his career, Hill has pitched for 13 different teams, including notable stints with the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, and Minnesota Twins. Despite the extensive wear and tear over his 19 seasons in the majors, Hill continues to compete at the highest level. His career ERA+ of 107 across parts of these seasons is a testament to his enduring skill and competitiveness.
In the 2023 season, Hill made a combined 27 starts and five relief appearances for the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates, pitching to a 5.41 ERA and a 4.87 FIP. These statistics illustrate a performance that, while not impeccable, can still add value to a Red Sox team in desperate need of depth and experience on the mound.
The Red Sox’s season has been a roller coaster, and they currently hold a 67-64 record. Trailing the Minnesota Twins by five games for the third and final wild-card spot in the American League, their postseason aspirations hang in the balance. According to SportsLine, the Red Sox have a 17.3% chance of reaching the postseason.
Rich Hill’s return could indeed provide the stability and veteran presence needed to push the Red Sox closer to their playoff ambitions. Alongside Hill, the Red Sox also called up pitcher Greg Weissert, further adding to their pitching arsenal. With critical games approaching, these additions are timely and necessary for a team looking to salvage its season.
The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for the Red Sox. Each game represents a chance to inch closer to a postseason berth, making the roles of Hill and the revamped pitching staff ever more significant. The Red Sox’s journey forward promises to be an intriguing watch, with Rich Hill potentially playing a key role in their quest for October baseball.