The Los Angeles Dodgers avoided losing top prospects within the organization last season while adding a quality starting pitcher in Rich Hill. There were some issues with what’s proven to be a chronic blister, but Hill proved to be a viable complement to Clayton Kershaw.
The 37-year-old was re-signed during the offseason to a three-year, $48 million contract. The Dodgers continue to await a return on their investment. Hill went four innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday and lacked much command.
He issued four walks, threw a wild pitch and surrendered a home run on a 2-0 pitch with two outs in the third inning. According to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times, Hill is still sorting through mechanical trouble:
“It’s just mechanically finding that same, repetitive motion, that I can go to every single time,” Hill said. “Where you can basically close your eyes and throw the ball, and you know where the pitch is going to go. Unfortunately, that just isn’t something I’ve felt for the last little bit.”
After setting a career high with seven walks in a home start against the St. Louis Cardinals, the veteran left-hander made adjustments prior to facing them a second time. Hill proceeded to throw five innings, holding St. Louis to just one on two hits.
It can be presumed the blister and two stints on the disabled list have affected Hill’s ability to establish any sort of rhythm.
On the season he’s 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in six starts. Hill has yet to so much as throw a single pitch in the sixth inning in any of his outings.
