Of the three trades the Los Angeles Dodgers made before the non-waiver trade deadline on Aug. 1, the deal that garnered the most attention was the acquisition of Josh Reddick and Rich Hill from the Oakland Athletics.
While Reddick has begun to heat up after getting off to a slow start, Hill has yet to pitch for Los Angeles as he’s dealt with reoccurring blister issues on his throwing hand. He was scheduled to debut with the Dodgers on Friday, but that has once again been delayed.
“We pushed that back. We’re trying to figure out if Rich is going to throw Wednesday or Thursday to some hitters in Arizona,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Sunday’s loss.
“It’s less the conditions as far as humidity and he might pitch at night, so it’s more conducive to his blister. It’ll be competitive, there will be professional hitters.”
Hill threw a 37-pitch bullpen session on Sunday afternoon, which was the first clue he wouldn’t make the previously scheduled rehab start on Monday with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Some silver lining can be found in the southpaw not suffering any sort of setback during the throwing session.
“We’ve come this far by being cautious. Every day is of benefit towards the healing process for Rich,” Roberts said. “You get into Cincinnati with humidity and things like that, a lot of different variables played into the decision for us.”
After throwing a bullpen while the team was in Denver, Hill was scheduled to start on Aug. 7, but failed to make it when a new blister formed. That then prevented him from making a start Aug. 14.
Hill last appeared in a game on July 17, which was cut short after five pitches when a blister on his middle finger ripped open. He’s been sidelined ever since and was on the 15-day disabled list when the Dodgers acquired him.
The 36-year-old’s last start of note was July 7; he also missed all of June due to a groin issue. Hill this season is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA, 2.53 FIP and 1.09 WHIP.
