The Los Angeles Dodgers formally announced Rich Hill will start Thursday against the Washington Nationals in Game 5 of the National League Division Series. First pitch at Nationals Park is set for 5:08 p.m. PT, and the game will air on Fox Sports 1.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not name a starter after his club’s win on Tuesday, instead saying the club would use a “collection of arms.” Hill soon after stated he was going to start the winner-take-all contest.
Hill last pitched in Game 2 on Saturday. He allowed four runs, finished with seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched, and suffered the loss.
The postseason start is just the third of Hill’s career. It’s also the first time he’s taking the mound on short rest. The closest he’s come to it was in 2009 with the Baltimore Orioles.
Hill threw 20 pitches and recorded one out during a relief appearance that season, and started four days later. He allowed three hits, five runs and walked four in three innings of work.
The veteran left-hander nonetheless doesn’t have much concern over his unfamiliarity with pitching under such conditions. “I know it’s short rest, but physically I feel great,” Hill said Tuesday.
Working in his and the Dodgers’ favor is the availability of Julio Urias and a rejuvenated bullpen that certainly benefitted from a day-off. It’s plausible the Dodgers will ask Hill and Urias to each get through the Nationals lineup one time, then hand the game over to the bullpen.
The winner of Thursday’s decisive Game 5 will face the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series.
