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.”
