Rich Hill, a 44-year-old left-handed pitcher, has made his return to the Major Leagues after nearly two decades and playing for over a dozen teams since his debut. The Boston Red Sox have selected Hill from Triple-A Worcester as he aims to add another chapter to his lengthy and storied career. If he plays in one game in 2024, he will become the only active player to have appeared in a game in each of the past 20 seasons.
Manager’s Assessment
Manager Alex Cora expressed his excitement about Hill’s return, stating that the veteran pitcher looks great physically and has always been dedicated to taking care of himself. Cora mentioned that Hill has been diligently working on his craft in recent months, ensuring that he is ready to perform at his best. With the Red Sox dealing with injuries in their pitching staff, it remains unclear how Hill will be utilized and in what capacity he will contribute to the team.
A Veteran’s Willingness
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his role, Hill has expressed his willingness to do whatever is necessary to help the team succeed. Wearing the No. 44 on his uniform, Hill could potentially join former teammate Tim Wakefield as one of the few pitchers to have played for the Red Sox at the age of 44 or older. Wakefield, who last pitched for the Red Sox at the age of 45 in 2011, holds the record for the oldest pitcher to have played for the club.
This marks Hill’s fourth stint with the Red Sox, having signed a minor league deal with the team in August. He recently threw two scoreless innings for Worcester, showcasing his ability on the mound. Throughout his career, Hill has played for 13 different major league teams, one shy of Edwin Jackson’s record. Born in Boston, Hill has accumulated a record of 90-73 with a 4.01 ERA in 382 games, including 248 starts. He has had previous stints with the Red Sox in 2010-2012, 2015, and 2022, as well as playing for other teams such as the Pirates, Padres, Cubs, Orioles, Indians, and Dodgers.
In light of the team’s injury situation, Boston made additional pitching changes by placing Luis García and Lucas Sims on the injured list due to elbow inflammation and a right lat strain, respectively. Greg Weissert and Josh Winckowski were recalled from Worcester, while Brad Keller was designated for assignment. This reshuffling of the pitching staff reflects the team’s ongoing effort to adapt to challenges throughout the season.
Rich Hill’s return to the majors signifies a remarkable achievement for the veteran pitcher and a significant moment in his storied career. As he looks to make an impact with the Red Sox once again, his experience, resilience, and dedication to the game will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the team as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead.
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