In a move to strengthen their pitching staff amid a crucial stretch of the season, the Boston Red Sox have brought back veteran pitcher Rich Hill. The 44-year-old, who signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on August 15, has had his contract selected and is added to the active roster, marking Hill's fourth stint with the team.
Hill's career with the Red Sox has seen him don the uniform in 2010 to 2012, again in 2015, and most recently in 2022. A Massachusetts native, Hill has been a journeyman throughout his 19 big-league seasons, playing for 13 different teams, including notable mentions like the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, and Minnesota Twins.
An Experienced Arm Returns
Despite the considerable wear and tear over his lengthy career, Hill continues to compete at the highest level. In the 2023 season, he pitched to a 5.41 ERA and a 4.87 FIP, making 27 starts and five relief appearances for the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates. His most recent performance with Triple-A Worcester featured a scoreless two-inning appearance, demonstrating that he still has the capability to perform effectively.
Hill’s career ERA+ of 107 is a testament to his consistent ability to contribute positively over the years. The Red Sox hope that his return will add much-needed depth and stability to a pitching staff that has faced numerous setbacks this season.
Injuries Plague the Red Sox
The Red Sox have been hit hard by injuries, particularly among their pitchers. Lucas Sims has been placed on the IL with a right lat strain, while Brad Keller has been demoted in a series of corresponding moves. Bryan Mata has yet to pitch this season due to a trifecta of hamstring, shoulder, and elbow issues. Additionally, Garrett Whitlock was lost to elbow surgery after just four starts this season, Chris Murphy's UCL gave out before he could make a start, and James Paxton recently suffered a calf injury.
These injuries have left the Red Sox scrambling to maintain momentum in a highly competitive American League. As of now, they hold a record of 67-64 and trail the Minnesota Twins by five games for the third and final wild-card spot. SportsLine gives the Red Sox just a 17.3% chance of reaching the postseason, placing immense pressure on every game as they move forward.
Key Additions for a Critical Push
To address these issues, the Red Sox have not only brought back Hill but also called up pitcher Greg Weissert. The team is banking on these additions to provide the much-needed depth as they navigate a decisive part of their schedule. Hill’s seasoned presence could act as a calming and stabilizing influence on a pitching staff that has been anything but stable this season.
The upcoming weeks will be vital for the Red Sox as they aim to keep their postseason aspirations alive. Hill's experience and ability to handle high-pressure situations might just be the boost the team needs. With key games on the horizon, every pitch and every decision on the mound could be the difference between making it to the playoffs or falling short.
While the Red Sox battle to overcome their injury woes, the return of a familiar face in Rich Hill could potentially steer them back on course, providing hope to a team and fanbase eager for October baseball.