The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation was thrown for an early turn when Rich Hill was forced to the 10-day disabled list after just one start this season. The blister wasn’t deemed as serious as last season’s issue, and Hill returned after missing just one outing.
But that was short-lived, as he only managed to pitch three innings before re-aggravating the blister on his left middle finger. Hill was placed on the disabled list for a second time, and the Dodgers were left at a loss.
Since being put back on the DL, Hill has regularly played catch prior to games. In recent days he’s advanced to throwing a bullpen session while wearing a bandage on his blister.
Hill ditched the protection Wednesday and pitched to hitters at AT&T Park. He proclaimed to be fully healthy, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts outlined what the options are for Saturday, per Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times
Rich Hill said his finger feels "100 percent." He sounded like a man who very much would like to pitch in a big-league game again soon.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) April 26, 2017
Rich Hill will pitch on Saturday in either a sim game or a rehab assignment.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) April 27, 2017
Roberts had previously said the club would send Hill on a rehab assignment in hopes of gaining more faith he can make it through an outing without the blister becoming an issue. Along with proving he’s healthy, Hill’s work on Saturday will also serve as means to improve pitch quality.
Thus far, Hill has thrown eight innings across two starts, pitching to a 3.38 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. He missed five weeks last season and was limited to just 20 starts, though it was his most since making 32 starts for the Chicago Cubs during the 2007 season. Hill was ineffective but appeared in 63 games out of the bullpen with the Cleveland Indians in 2013.
During his absence the Dodgers have turned to Alex Wood, who provided another strong start on Wednesday. Hill’s return presumably would lead to Wood being put back in the bullpen. Hill became eligible to be activated on Thursday.
