Needing to address a starting rotation that had been depleted by injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline, sending Jharel Cotton, Grant Holmes and Frankie Montas to the Oakland Athletics.
Outside of Clayton Kershaw, before his back injury, the Dodgers weren’t consistently receiving five innings from their starters, which taxed the bullpen. At the time of the trade Hill was on the 15-day disabled list due to a nagging blister on the middle finger of his left hand.
A second blister formed as Hill threw multiple bullpen sessions, and his debut with the Dodgers didn’t come until three weeks after he trade.
Facing the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 24, the veteran southpaw scattered five hits over six shutout innings and had three strikeouts.
Hill threw a combined 13 scoreless innings over his next two outings, allowing just one hit during that span. In six outings during the regular season with the Dodgers, he went 3-2 with a 1.83 ERA, 214 ERA+, 2.07 FIP and 0.79 WHIP.
Although Hill was renowned for his curveball, the 12-year veteran also flashed a potent fastball that he threw at a lower arm angle. The approach was so effective that Clayton Kershaw began to incorporate it in his repertoire.
2016 Highlight
In just his third start with the Dodgers, Hill turned in his longest and most impressive outing. He spun seven perfect innings against the Miami Marlins, but was removed from the game as a precaution.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts consulted with the medical staff and determined Hill’s blister was nearing a point where it could again rupture, and compromise the club’s pursuit of a World Series.
Hill showed initial displeasure with Roberts’ decision, but said after the game he understood it, and was solely focused on moving forward.
Against the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, Hill threw six shutout innings and allowed just two hits in what was the biggest start of his career. Hill’s efforts helped the Dodgers take a 2-1 series lead.
2017 Outlook
The Dodgers reportedly had interest in re-signing Hill to a multiyear contract prior to free agency beginning, but that never manifested. Along with Jason Hammel, whose club option was declined by the Cubs, Hill is among the top starting pitchers on the open market.
Hill recently said he absolutely wants to re-sign with the Dodgers. From the team’s perspective, they’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of retaining a pitcher who will turn 37 years old in March.
