In a move aimed at fortifying their pitching staff as the season heads into its critical stretch, the Boston Red Sox have welcomed back veteran pitcher Rich Hill. At 44 years old, Hill's return marks his fourth stint with the team, having previously pitched for the Red Sox in 2010 to 2012, 2015, and 2022.
Hill, a native of Massachusetts, signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on August 15. His recent performance for Triple-A Worcester included a scoreless two-inning appearance, showcasing that despite his age, he still has the ability to compete. The club had Hill's contract selected and added him to the active roster, reinforcing their pitching options as they confront a series of roster challenges and injuries.
The Red Sox's pitching staff has been under significant strain this season. Garrett Whitlock was sidelined by elbow surgery after just four starts, Chris Murphy's UCL gave out before he could make an appearance, and James Paxton recently suffered a calf injury. Additionally, Bryan Mata has yet to pitch this season due to hamstring, shoulder, and elbow issues. These setbacks, compounded by the recent placement of Lucas Sims on the IL with a right lat strain and Brad Keller's demotion, have made the depth Hill and Greg Weissert bring highly valuable.
Hill's career, spanning 19 major league seasons, has seen him don the jersey of 13 different teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Dodgers, Athletics, Twins, Pirates, and Padres. His 2023 season saw him make a combined 27 starts and five relief appearances for the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a 5.41 ERA and a 4.87 FIP. While these numbers might suggest he isn't at his peak, Hill's perseverance and experience could be a stabilizing force for Boston. His career ERA+ of 107 indicates that, on average, he has been slightly better than the league average over his long career, a testament to his enduring skills.
The Red Sox 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. According to SportsLine, their chances of reaching the postseason stand at 17.3%. These statistics underscore the urgency of their situation; every game moving forward holds significant weight.
Hill's addition, alongside the call-up of pitcher Greg Weissert, is a strategic play to enhance the depth and flexibility of the Red Sox’s pitching roster. While Hill's long career has undoubtedly led to some wear and tear, his ongoing ability to compete at a high level cannot be underestimated. His experience could provide the leadership and performance boost needed for a team on the brink of the playoffs.
The coming weeks will be critical for the Red Sox as they tackle must-win games to maintain their postseason ambitions. Rich Hill’s ability to provide stable pitching and mentor younger teammates could be a key ingredient in their recipe for success. As the season reaches its tipping point, the Red Sox faithful will be watching closely, hopeful that their team's latest roster moves will translate into on-field victories and a push into October baseball.