Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill was placed on the 10-day disabled list nearly three weeks ago due to inflammation in his left middle finger. The stint was expected to be relatively brief, as Hill was dealing with a cracked fingernail and not a blister.
After completing a simulated game, Hill was on track to start against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field during the Dodgers’ road trip. But those plans were altered when his stay on the disabled list was extended because of an infection in the finger.
The 38-year-old’s return was then pushed back to the finale of the Mexico Series on Sunday, but he was once again scratched in favor of Ross Stripling.
Hill insisted that he was healthy enough to make the start, and it later became evident Clayton Kershaw landing on the DL due to bicep tendinitis was a factor in the Dodgers’ decision.
Now Hill is expected to be activated and start against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday in the first of a six-game homestand, via Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
Rich Hill will start on Tuesday. He was aware of Clayton Kershaw’s injury last night, which explains the post-game awkwardness.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) May 6, 2018
Hill has struggled in the early portion of his 2018 campaign, having posted a 6.00 ERA, 5.02 FIP and 1.60 WHIP over 15 innings pitched (three starts) with 16 strikeouts to seven walks.
Despite those poor results, he offers stability to a Dodgers rotation that was decimated by injuries last week. Hyun-Jin Ryu exited his previous start after recording just four outs when he suffered a groin strain that will keep him sidelined until the second half of the season.
Kershaw joined Ryu on the shelf a few days later. An MRI confirmed he’s only dealing with tendinitis, which allowed for a rehab program to begin Monday.
