Dodgers News: Rich Hill Unlikely to Return as a Starter
The Dodgers’ rotation will likely be without Rich Hill for the rest of the season, but the left-hander is still expected to return as a reliever, according to Manager Dave Roberts.
Hill went on the injured list in June with a flexor tendon strain and has yet to go on a rehab assignment.
Dave Roberts finally conceding that Rich Hill likely wont have time to build up enough pitches to start in October. Setting the stage for Dustin May?
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 11, 2019
While SportsNet LA anchor Alanna Rizzo provided a provided a positive update before Sunday’s game, Doc came back with added reality after the game.
“We expect to have Rich back,” Roberts said. “To what extent, that remains to be seen.”
Looking at Hill’s timeline, which has him returning in September, the Dodgers are planning to get Hill ready for a bullpen role. He is expected to start throwing bullpen sessions by the end of August.
“I think that if you’re looking at the calendar and how much time we have, it’s more of get him healthy and build him up in some reliever capacity,” Roberts said. “Because to kind of be so optimistic that we can build him up as a starter, 100 pitches, I just don’t see that as feasible.”
Given the Dodgers current bullpen situation, Hill could be a big boost for their pen and make an impact in October.
I would trust Hill in the bullpen, he orobably even has the makeuo to close.I can’t say that about some of our relievers. Give him some innings in the oen and he just might be our secret weapon! I can see him standing on the mound when we win it all!!
If Hill can relieve that would be a plus as a lefty over Ferguson. Hope it comes to fruition. He throws everything but the kitchen sink to keep players off balance.
Hill in the BP works for me!!!! A starting 5 of Kersh, Ferris, Ryu, May and *********, will be fine. I like Hill’s slow stuff in contrast to the other guys. Especially against teams like the Yanks and Astros. Go Blue!!!
Can you imagine how fast Baez, Kelly and Jansen’s heat is going to seem to opposing hitters after facing Hill in relief?