Rich Hill Returns to Bolster Red Sox Pitching Staff
The Boston Red Sox have turned to a familiar face in their quest to stabilize an injury-ravaged pitching staff, welcoming back the seasoned veteran Rich Hill. At 44 years young, Hill's experience and resilience promise to add a much-needed layer of depth to a team struggling with injuries and inconsistency on the mound.
Hill, who hails from Massachusetts, inked a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on August 15. His journey back to the major leagues was expedited shortly afterward, as the Red Sox selected his contract and added him to their active roster. To make room, pitcher Lucas Sims was placed on the injured list (IL) with a right lat strain, and Brad Keller was demoted in a series of corresponding moves. Additionally, the team promoted pitcher Greg Weissert to further fortify their bullpen.
This marks Hill’s fourth stint with the Red Sox. His previous spells with Boston spanned from 2010 to 2012, in 2015, and as recently as 2022. Hill’s familiarity with the team and the organization might ease his transition back to the majors. In his recent appearance for Triple-A Worcester, Hill demonstrated his enduring skill set by pitching a scoreless two-inning performance, showcasing the kind of form the Red Sox hope to see on the big stage.
The injuries have indeed taken a toll on Boston's pitching staff. Garrett Whitlock was sidelined by elbow surgery after just four starts this season. Chris Murphy's UCL injury prevented him from even making an appearance. Bryan Mata has been absent due to hamstring, shoulder, and elbow issues, and most recently, James Paxton went down with a calf injury. These unfortunate events have severely depleted the Red Sox's pitching options, making Hill’s acquisition a timely one.
Still performing despite the wear and tear of 19 big-league seasons, Hill has made 27 starts and five relief appearances across stints with the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023. Over that period, he posted a 5.41 ERA and a 4.87 FIP, numbers that, while not dazzling, show his ability to endure a grueling Major League schedule.
Notably, Hill has more than just experience to his name. His career ERA+ of 107 indicates he has been above average over his time in the major leagues, and his service with 13 different teams speaks to his adaptability and journeyman status. Teams like the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, and Minnesota Twins have all benefited from his tenure on the mound.
The Red Sox, currently holding an overall record of 67-64, find themselves five games behind the Minnesota Twins for the third and final wild-card spot in the American League. With SportsLine estimating their chances of reaching the postseason at 17.3%, every game gains heightened importance. Hill’s addition, along with Weissert’s, aims to fortify a pitching staff that will be pivotal in these crucial upcoming matches.
Rich Hill’s enduring presence is more than just about his numbers - it’s about the steadiness he brings. Though he carries the burden of a 44-year-old body molded by nearly two decades of professional baseball, his latest performance evidenced he remains capable of delivering under pressure. His return to Fenway could indeed be the stabilizing factor the Red Sox need to keep their playoff ambitions alive.
Simultaneously, the call-up of Greg Weissert offers another layer of strategic depth that should not be overlooked. As Boston prepares to navigate this challenging stretch of games that will define their season, the bolstered pitching staff, headlined by a familiar and determined Rich Hill, steps into the spotlight, striving to keep the Red Sox’s postseason hopes burning bright.