Veteran left-hander Rich Hill is set to be called up to the Major Leagues by the Royals, a source told MLB.com’s Anne Rogers on Monday. The team has not confirmed the move.
When he pitches for the Royals, which could come as soon as Tuesday at Wrigley Field, the 45-year-old would tie Edwin Jackson’s MLB record by playing for his 14th MLB team. He’ll also become the oldest player in Royals history, eclipsing Gaylord Perry for that distinction.
The southpaw has pitched for the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Guardians, Angels, Yankees, A’s, Dodgers, Twins, Rays, Mets, Pirates and Padres since making his MLB debut in 2005. Coincidentally, Hill’s first MLB appearance also came at Wrigley Field.
A late bloomer, Hill had a career 4.72 ERA through his age-34 season in 2014 before hitting his stride with a 2.92 ERA and 584 strikeouts over 505 innings from ’15-20. He continued to see consistent work as a big league starter through his age-43 campaign in 2023, but after finishing that season with a 5.41 ERA for the Pirates and Padres, he was limited to just four appearances (all in relief) with the Red Sox in ’24.
Although it’s uncertain what role Hill will fill with the Royals, the team recently had a rotation spot open up when Michael Lorenzen went on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain.
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