Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Talks Return of Rich Hill
The Dodgers had a relatively quiet Winter Meetings, but they did retain one of their own. The team inked Rich Hill to a 3-year, $48 million dollar deal. Hill was considered one of the best free agents available.
Clayton Kershaw spoke with Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA about Hill returning to L.A. and pitching the day after him.
[graphiq id=”8JbSFgbDBVb” title=”Rich Hill” width=”500″ height=”748″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/8JbSFgbDBVb” link_text=”Graphiq” ]“I’m so excited to have Rich back. He’s an awesome competitor and he’s a great guy; just what you want around your clubhouse. Not to mention what he brings on the field, the consistency that he had the last two years and his ability to get guys out. Thankful we got that done and I’m excited to see him here soon.”
Kershaw called Hill “as fiery as they get” and said he can’t wait to take the field with him again. Hill was acquired from the Oakland Athletes at last season’s trade deadline. Despite overtures from closer-to-home Baltimore, New York and Boston, Hill liked L.A. enough to commit.
Barring a major trade, Hill will open the season at the Dodgers’ No. 2 starter. He started six regular season games for the Dodgers in 2016, earning a 3-2 record with a 1.83 ERA. The 36-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but L.A. has the depth to withstand Hill missing a handful of starts.
Dodgers are uniquely suited to handle the injury risk of Rich Hill. Their depth would allow them to be cautious w/ him when necessary.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) December 3, 2016
Kershaw also talked about the birth of his second child. The interview can be seen in its entirety here.
Dodger or not, Justin Turner will hold his second annual golf tournament in Thousand Oaks