'Time is undefeated' as Rich Hill awaits his 2024 Red Sox season debut
Rich Hill is back with the Red Sox following his call-up from Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.
Hill signed with the Red Sox on Aug. 17 following throwing a showcase in front of teams and scouts in an effort to get back into the big leagues.
The veteran left-hander pitched in one game for the WooSox last Friday and tossed two scoreless frames. The southpaw hurled two innings and allowed an unearned run with three strikeouts.It’s unclear how the Red Sox will ultimately use Hill now that he’s on the 26-man active roster.
Hill’s appearance on the mound in Norfolk was his first since October 1 last season. He pitched in relief for the Padres on the road against the White Sox.
“Talking to him, he’s willing to do anything, and we know he can get lefties out,” manager Alex Cora said. “He looks great. Physically, he has always taken care of that part. He’s excited to be back, and we’ll use him the right way.”
Hill is thankful for his opportunity with Boston and the potential to help close the gap in the standings in order to reach the postseason.
“You’ve just to be ready for the opportunity,” said Hill in an interview with the Boston Globe, who didn’t appear in a 6-3 victory against Toronto. “I think that’s the biggest thing—staying ready and understanding that preparation and opportunity can come together... be ready for whatever was around the corner.”
Boston will benefit from having the veteran Hill in the locker room down the stretch.
“Any role at any time,” he said. “Being prepared for that and built up, whether that’s short duration, long duration, starting, bulk innings, whatever it might be.”
Once Hill makes an appearance in a game this season, it would give him at least one outing in 20 consecutive seasons in the majors. Hill wouldn’t commit as to whether he will pitch again next season.
“Not really,” he said. “But obviously time is undefeated.”
