The Los Angeles Dodgers had a starter removed early for a second time in as many games, with the honor on Sunday going to Rich Hill. In his return from the 10-day disabled list, Hill went just three innings. He was removed due to re-aggravating the blister on his left middle finger.
After spending a majority of the bottom of the third inning in the clubhouse and speaking with a trainer in the dugout, Hill began to warm up for the fourth but was unsuccessful in convincing manager Dave Roberts he was able to continue pitching.
Hill struggled some with his command, allowed two runs on five hits, including a home run, and issued due two walks in his abridged outing.
Ross Stripling, who last pitched on April 12, was first out of the bullpen. Although Stripling had more recently been used in high-leverage situations, he was included on the Dodgers Opening Day roster to fill a role as a long reliever.
For Hill, there’s now doubt over his ability moving forward. Chronic blisters sidelined him for five weeks last season, and included in that stretch were multiple delays and setbacks as Hill worked to make his debut with the Dodgers.
Hill, 37, signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason.
