The Los Angeles Dodgers’ injury-ridden starting rotation is expected to receive a second boost this week in the form of Rich Hill, who has been sidelined since May 20 with persistent blister issues.
Hill is on track to be activated off the disabled list on Tuesday and start in the second of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. In preparation of his return, Hill made a rehab start for High-A Rancho Cucamonga last Thursday.
It was a successful one at that, as he logged 4.2 scoreless innings in the contest on 75 pitches, accumulating 10 of his 14 outs via strikeout without issuing a walk.
Afterward, Hill revealed that he tinkered with his mechanics and benefited from the adjustments he made, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“It felt great,” he said. “I would say my curveball was probably the best it’s been in three years. My fastball was as good as it was in 2016 and last year. We made a few mechanical changes, small changes that made a huge difference. The ball was really coming out of my hand the way that I want it to.”
Hill is in the midst of his worst statistical season with the Dodgers, so perhaps a change in mechanics will ultimately bode well for the left-hander down the stretch.
Results aside, perhaps most encouraging of Hill’s start was that he managed to get by without further aggravating his blister. Hill revealed that he “felt great” after the game and that his blister was a non-factor.
The 38-year-old looks to carry over that success to the Majors, where he looks to turn his season around. In six starts, Hill has compiled a 1-2 record, 6.20 ERA, 6.33 FIP and 1.74 WHIP over 24.2 innings pitched with 25 strikeouts to 13 walks.
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