Dodgers News: Rich Hill’s Rough Spring Training Is Nothing New

Rich Hill was dinged up on Wednesday, only making it through 1.2 innings, walking four and giving up three runs.

In the previous start, Kansas City scored four runs in 1.1 innings. Hill’s command was a bit off then as well, walking two. Hill’s spring ERA sits at 12.60.

Rich Hill yells loudly, frustrated at himself, as Roberts comes out to remove him. Hill was targeted for 3 IP, lasted 1.2 IP, with 4 BB.

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) March 8, 2017

Poor spring training showings aren’t anything new for Hill. For whatever reason, he’s a slow starter. And he knows it.

Rich Hill: "Certainly spring trainings have never been very good for me over my entire career. I know to just continue to work at it"

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 8, 2017

Hill had an 11.25 ERA last spring before going on to have the best season of his career. He parlayed the terrible spring into a 12-5, 2.12 ERA showing. That ERA shrunk to 1.83 over his six starts in Los Angeles.

Hill said he’s frustrated, but he’s working to get it right.

“Sure, it gets frustrating, because it’s Spring Training, and why get frustrated?” Hill said. “Those are things you can’t control. And controllables are something I preach about, and sometimes you get away from what you say. That part of it does become frustrating. Constantly are keeping yourself accountable.”

The Dodgers have a $48 million investment in Hill. But looking at the track record, there’s no reason for the team to worry.

Yet.