At the outset of free agency the Los Angeles Dodgers figured to have some interest in re-signing Rich Hill, Russell Martin and Hyun-Jin Ryu. However of the three, Hill was perceived by most to potentially be the least likely to return.
He endured an injury-plagued 2019 season and made just 13 starts because of knee and forearm trouble. When Hill was diagnosed with a strained flexor tendon there was some concern as it typically is a precursor to Tommy John surgery.
The veteran left-hander avoided that operation and explained an MRI and ultrasound confirmed his UCL was in good condition. However, Hill has since undergone surgery due to a portion of the ligament becoming detached from the elbow.
Nevertheless, Hill indicated upwards of 10 teams have expressed interest in free agency. During an appearance on SportsNet LA, David Vassegh said the Dodgers are part of that group:
“He did not specify all the teams, and a few of them that he did, I’ll choose not to say, but there have been teams that have already contacted his agent about signing him even before June. That just shows you what teams think about him. And yes, the Dodgers have been in contact with Rich Hill’s representatives.”
Although Hill is not expected to pitch at least until June of the 2020 season, he could be a prime candidate to re-sign with the Dodgers in a move that would be driven by depth and with an eye on the postseason.
As it stands the Dodgers’ starting rotation is due to consist of Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda and Julio Urias. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman indicated Ross Stripling, Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May will have an opportunity to round out the rotation.
Hill went 30-16 with a 3.16 ERA in 69 games (68 starts) over parts of the past four seasons with the Dodgers. He also proved to be one of their better pitchers come October, sporting a 2.70 ERA in 12 postseason games (11 starts) during that span.
Hill expressed a strong desire to re-sign with the Dodgers after they were eliminated from the National League Division Series.
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