The Boston Red Sox starting rotation appears to be running out of gas. Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford have struggled since they've approached their career-high innings pitched. Nick Pivetta's next start will be skipped as he battles elbow fatigue.
Brayan Bello and James Paxton appear to be figuring things out, but the two of them can't carry the rotation. The Red Sox recently scouted a hurler who could help bolster the increasingly-exhausted rotation.
Three-time Red Sox and Boston native Rich Hill stated before the 2024 season began that he hoped to pitch in the second half of the campaign. He's been throwing for scouts in Massachusetts and the Red Sox are among the teams linked to the veteran.
Hill is a career 4.01 ERA pitcher with over 19 years of MLB service time. He's played for 13 different clubs but has spent the most time with his hometown Red Sox.
Rich Hill has thrown for scouts, Red Sox have shown interest in the veteran
Rich Hill showcasing … pic.twitter.com/jc39iyQFfU
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) August 9, 2024
Hill spent his 2023 campaign with the Pirates and Padres, where he logged a 5.41 ERA with 129 strikeouts and 58 walks over 146.1 innings. His numbers in San Diego were significantly higher than his stats in Pittsburgh — he clocked an 8.23 ERA with the Padres.
Hill's stats don't jump off the page, but his arm is likely well-rested after months off from baseball activities and he told reporters he feels "100%." The righty isn't pitching another year for the money, rather, the desire to win. The Red Sox may not be Hill's best path to a ring, but he may be their rotation's best hope for length.
The Twins, Yankees, and Dodgers, all clubs Hill has played for, have already reached out with interest in signing the vet. If the Sox are interested in signing Hill to bring a fresher arm and longer rest times to their starting rotation, they'll need to act fast.