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Dodgers News: Rich Hill ‘Disappointed’ By Flexor Strain Injury But Confident He Will Return During 2019 Season

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Jon SooHoo-Los Angeles Dodgers

As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers placed Rich Hill on the 10-day injured list prior to Thursday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants. The club officially denoted Hill as being sidelined by a left forearm strain.

Hill underwent an MRI and said the results revealed a flexor strain that will keep him out indefinitely. “No true timetable,” Hill said. “A flexor strain, I think is as positive as it could’ve been and was. There wasn’t anything indicative of damage to the UCL, which is good. But it’s going to probably take some time to heal.”

Hill estimated he would resume throwing for at least three to four weeks. From there, he would need to go through a progression that’s similar to Spring Training. Despite the long road ahead, the 39-year-old is optimistic, if not confident, he will again take the mound for the Dodgers.

“I think I’ll be able to pitch again this season,” he said. “Definitely. When that is, I don’t have that answer.”

Hill was not yet certain of the severity of the strain — tear — in the flexor. He plans to speak with the Dodgers’ medical staff and doctors in the coming days. “We’re going to try to figure out where we’re going to go,” Hill said.

“Just let the healing process kind of take place and get into a throwing program. We did a little PRP to help promote the healing. I think that’s something definitely doesn’t hurt, doesn’t do anything but help.”

Hill began the season on the 10-day IL because of a strained MCL in his left knee, which was not an injury he previously dealt with. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2011, but the flexor issue is also new territory.

“Marking off everything I haven’t had this year,” Hill joked about his injuries this season. The dry sense of humor was a break from the visible frustration Hill has.

“I’m disappointed, obviously. Not only for myself but to help this team out,” he said. “I want to get back as soon as physically able but not push it where it’s going to be non-productive. Certainly don’t want to do that, put the team or myself in any position to have that happen.

“Just continue to listen to what the [training staff] and doctors have to say and take it one day at a time.”

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com