Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Rich Hill Looking For More Efficiency This Season, Intends To Primarily Deploy Fastball And Curveball
Dodgers NewsSpring Training

Dodgers News: Rich Hill Looking For More Efficiency This Season, Intends To Primarily Deploy Fastball And Curveball

Matt Borelli
March 6, 2018
2 Min Read
Rich Hill
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

Since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2016 non-waiver trade deadline, Rich Hill has revitalized his career while emerging as one of the better left-handed pitchers in all of baseball.

Hill made his first start of the spring against the Cleveland Indians on Monday, facing 11 batters in the contest. Across three innings pitched, he yielded just one run on two baserunners while striking out four.

After the outing, Hill revealed that he intends to focus on improving and using his fastball and curveball this season, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

“This year things are much more cleaned up and efficient,” he said. “As I’ve gotten older and understand what’s best for me, I see a consistence in the way I throw, I see the carry of the ball. Creativity builds and grows from that. You can shape the curveball, and that comes as the season goes along. You can accelerate and decelerate the fastball.”

At various points last season, Hill utilized five different pitches. Though, he primarily deployed a fastball and curveball, much like recent years.

In 2017, Hill’s fastball once again proved to be his most efficient pitch. Per FanGraphs, his fastball value checked in at a career-best 16.5 — an increase of more than three points from the previous year.

While he enjoyed success with his heater, Hill saw a drop of production in his curveball. After posting a value of 17.4 in 2016, the southpaw saw that mark diminish to -0.5 last season.

With Hill looking to refine those two specific pitches, he can tinker with different speeds and drop angles to give batters different looks throughout the year.

Keeping a simple approach on the mound can only lead to further success for the soon-to-be 38-year-old. Furthermore, his new routine may potentially limit his finger blister issues from recent seasons, as well.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2018 Spring TrainingLos Angeles DodgersRich Hill
ByMatt Borelli
Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Rylan Bannon
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers Roster: Rylan Bannon Claimed Off Waivers By Braves

August 16, 2022
August 16, 2022
Dodgers News: Espn’s Buster Olney Ranks Adrian Gonzalez 8th-best First Baseman
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: ESPN’s Buster Olney Ranks Adrian Gonzalez 8th-Best First Baseman

November 28, 2015
November 28, 2015
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Charlie Culberson Thanks Organization And Fans

December 17, 2017
December 17, 2017
Dodger Stadium view
Dodgers NewsFeatured

2023 Dodgers Schedule Start Times: Opening Day Night Game At Dodger Stadium

February 1, 2023
February 1, 2023

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어