The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired both Josh Reddick and Rich Hill from the Oakland Athletics at the Aug.1 non-waiver trade deadline in exchange for three pitching prospects.
In the time since the trade, the Dodgers were not able to reap much benefit, as Reddick has struggled greatly since coming over, and Hill was on the disabled list due to blisters on his throwing hand.
That all changed on Wednesday though, as Hill finally made his long-awaited debut with the Dodgers. It came after he was scratched from three previously scheduled starts due to persistent trouble with an initial blister, and a second one that began to form.
Despite last starting in a Major League game on July 17, Hill shook off rust and turned in a quality start the Dodgers desperately needed.
The southpaw allowed just five hits (all singles) and spun six shutout innings, which included Hill at times dropping his arm angle for a sidearm curveball.
Video of his strong outings is courtesy the Dodgers’ Twitter account:
When you pitch six shutout innings in your debut. ?https://t.co/bWJVWLzlpW
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 25, 2016
The Dodgers went on to win the game, 1-0, behind a solo home run off the bat of Justin Turner and quality bullpen pitching behind Hill.
They extended their division lead on the Giants to three games, which is a season high for Los Angeles.
Overall on the season, Hill is 10-3 with a 2.09 ERA, 2.51 FIP and 1.07 WHIP. He has not allowed more than three earned runs in any start this season.
Hill said after his start he didn’t have any trouble with his blisters, and his arm felt fine after the long layoff.
