Dodgers News: Rich Hill Progressing as Scheduled in Recovery
Injured Dodgers’ starter Rich Hill has been progressing at a slow but steady pace in his recovery from a forearm strain. Hill made it through 1 scoreless inning back on June 19 before removing himself from the game with discomfort in his left forearm. He hit the 10-day injured list the next day, and was transferred to the 60-day IL on July 3rd.
In between the 39 year-old has began throwing on flat ground as he slowly ramps up to throwing off the mound. SportsNet LA anchor Alanna Rizzo provided an update on Hill ahead of Sunday’s matchup against Arizona.
Rich Hill is not necessarily close to getting to a bullpen session, but he did throw out to 90 feet [on Saturday] — taking the day off today — probably going to throw out to 105 feet next on Monday or Tuesday in Miami. No setbacks, so he should return some time in September.
As we settle into the middle of August, the question becomes what can we expect out of Hill before playoff time.
@AlexFast8 Hey Alex with the news that Ross Stripling will move to the bullpen do you think Dustin May stays in the Dodgers rotation through fantasy playoffs? Or at least until Rich Hill returns.
— Johhny Baseball (@baseball_johhny) August 11, 2019
The target would likely be being built up to about 75-85 pitches for postseason rotation consideration. In the interim, rookies Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin are doing their part to prove their worth for a roster spot in October, and veteran Kenta Maeda tossed a much needed gem on Saturday night, keeping his rotation spot alive.
Ross Stripling was ruled out of returning to the rotation earlier this week. Otherwise, the top 3 for the rotation would be Hyun-Jin Ryu, Walker Buehler, and Clayton Kershaw (not necessarily in that order).
Hill has a 4-1 record with a 2.55 ERA in 10 starts and 53 innings pitched this season.
