When the Los Angeles Dodgers were looking to improve their roster at the trade deadline in 2016, their biggest move was to acquire Rich Hill and Josh Reddick from the Oakland Athletics.
Hill was on the injured list at the time of the trade because of a finger blister that often remained an issue during his tenure with the Dodgers. However, when the left-hander did manage to have that under control, he was a valued contributor in the pitching staff.
The Dodgers re-signed Hill to a three-year, $48 million contract in December 2016. It marked a significant moment for the veteran who had been in an independent league and seemingly looking at an unlikely return to MLB not long before.
Hill remained with the Dodgers through the 2019 season before signing a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins. Last offseason he then joined the Tampa Bay Rays on a one-year pact, but was traded to the New York Mets in July.
Back at Dodger Stadium for the first time since his time with the Dodgers came to an end, Hill was treated to a tribute video and standing ovation from the crowd. The 41-year-old expressed his gratitude over that moment and reflected on his time in L.A. during an interview with David Vassegh on AM 570 L.A. Sports:
“The video tribute was unnecessary but it was really nice and unexpected. The time my family and I got to spend here in L.A. was great and we are extremely grateful for that opportunity. All seriousness, I think looking back at coming back here, seeing all the guys that are still here that we got to play in the same uniform with in front of these crowds on a nightly basis was something that was extremely special. When you’re in it, you’re enjoying it and really loving every moment as much as you can.
“Then when it’s over and time has stopped and you go somewhere else, it makes you realize you have to appreciate each time — whatever it might be. … I felt just humbled by it (the tribute). Like I said, the opportunity of coming here and being part of those years with the Dodgers, having teammates that we had, the guys that were there, loved the game of baseball and left everything out on the field on a nightly basis, it continues now.”
Hill went 30-16 with a 3.16 ERA, 3.71 FIP and 1.08 WHIP in 69 games (68 starts) over parts of four seasons with the Dodgers. He forged relationships with several players, including Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw.
Roberts, Buehler looked forward to facing Hill
Prior to Hill’s start against the Dodgers, Buehler joked during an interview on SportsNet LA that the team would look to frustrate him by coming up with hits to beat the shift.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he spoke with his former pitcher during the series at Citi Field, and again briefly at Dodger Stadium. “He’s going to be ready to pitch and bring that energy,” Roberts added. “I expect our guys to match it and I’m expecting to beat him.”
The Dodgers went on to hit three solo home runs off Hill to defeat the Mets.
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