Rich Hill threw 48 pitches during a three-inning simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, which went well, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. The next step for Hill is expected to be a rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday.
That will be finalized once it’s evident Hill did not suffer any ill-effects from facing batters. “I want to see the finger [Sunday],” Roberts said. As for when Hill may rejoin the Dodgers, that’s expected to be determined following the rehab assignment.
“The rehab start, four (innings) and 60 (pitches), will be very telling,” Roberts said. “Since the veteran southpaw was placed on the disabled list a second time this season, the Dodgers have maintained multiple roles for Hill were under consideration, including pitching out of the bullpen.
That no longer appears to be the case, however. “Where we’re at right now, for the short-term, we’re going to build him back up as a starter,” Roberts explained.
“And insert him when we feel he’s healthy and can remain healthy.” Assuming Hill gets through the rehab start without issue, he could start for the Dodgers on normal rest on Tuesday, May 9, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Hill 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in two starts this season, but has been limited to just eight innings. He was placed on the DL two days after his first start of the year. Then in the outing on the day he was activated, Hill was removed while warming up for the fourth inning.
