Former Dodgers Pitcher Poised for MLB Comeback After Year Off

Veteran pitcher Rich Hill is about to hit a huge milestone in his long career. The Kansas City Royals are getting ready to call him up from Triple-A Omaha.

After almost a year away from Major League Baseball, Hill’s return feels historic. He’ll become the oldest active pitcher in MLB and tie the record for most franchises played for.

Hill, now 45, has built a reputation for craftiness and resilience. The lefty brings loads of experience to a Royals team still clawing for relevance in the AL Central.

Let’s take a closer look at what this move means for Hill, the Royals, and maybe even for MLB as a whole.

Rich Hill: A Career Defined by Longevity and Adaptability

Hill’s 20-year MLB journey is kind of wild. Fans loved him during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2016-2019, where he went 30-16 with a 3.16 ERA.

He’s had his share of injuries and tough breaks, but the guy has kept bouncing back. Hill’s played for 13 different teams, putting up a 90-74 career record and a 4.01 ERA in 386 games.

Tying History: 13 Teams Played For

Debuting for the Royals will let Hill tie the Major League record for most teams played for. That says a lot about his durability and his knack for fitting in with all sorts of pitching staffs.

Not many players have managed to adapt and contribute in so many places. Hill’s ability to stay relevant, even as the league keeps changing, is honestly impressive.

A Challenging Season in Triple-A Omaha

Since signing a minor league deal with the Royals on May 14, Hill has been working on his game in Triple-A Omaha. He made 11 starts, finishing with a 4-4 record and a 5.22 ERA.

The numbers don’t jump off the page, but he did look sharper in his last two outings. The high ERA might make some folks nervous, but Hill’s experience and knack for making adjustments could really help Kansas City right now.

Improvement in Recent Outings

Those late-season improvements in Omaha hint that Hill might have something left for the big leagues. His early numbers were rough, but he’s shown he can turn things around when it matters.

For the Royals, that kind of poise and competitiveness could be just what they need if they want to make an unlikely postseason push.

The Royals: Betting on Experience Amid Wild Card Chase

The Royals sit fourth in the AL Central, 5.5 games out of a wildcard spot. Playoff hopes aren’t exactly soaring, but Hill’s arrival could shake things up.

He’s been through high-pressure situations before and should be a steadying force for the younger pitchers. As the oldest active pitcher in MLB, he’s got plenty to teach, but he can still contribute on the mound, too.

A Role Beyond Pitching

Rich Hill brings more than just stats to Kansas City. Leadership, maturity, and a winner’s mentality — those things don’t show up in the box score but matter a ton, especially for a young roster.

His presence could spark some real growth and confidence in the Royals’ up-and-coming talent.

Historical Significance and What’s Next

Hill’s return is a big deal for a couple reasons. At 45, he’ll be the oldest active MLB pitcher, a title nobody’s held since Ichiro Suzuki’s last season in 2019.

He’ll also tie the record for most franchises played for in MLB history. For a guy who’s defied Father Time, that feels pretty fitting.

What to Watch For

As Hill gets ready for his Royals debut, here are a few things to keep an eye on:

• Hill’s Familiarity with Diverse Roles: He’s had success both starting and coming out of the bullpen, so the Royals might get creative with how they use him.
• Impact on Royals’ Playoff Push: Will Hill’s veteran presence give the team a late-season boost?
• Statistical Goals: Can he add a few more wins and maybe even lower that career ERA?

Conclusion: A Return Worth Celebrating

For Rich Hill, this comeback isn’t just about pitching again. It feels like a celebration of his rare longevity, adaptability, and flat-out love for the game.

Time isn’t exactly on his side. Still, Hill can shake up the Royals lineup and inspire the people around him.

Fans of the Dodgers, Royals, and really anyone who follows MLB will get a kick out of watching one of baseball’s most resilient pitchers step onto the mound again.

There’s history waiting to be made. Kansas City’s playoff hopes are still alive, and Hill’s return might just be the last, wild chapter in a remarkable career.

If you love baseball nostalgia or root for the underdog, you probably shouldn’t miss this one.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Former Dodgers Pitcher Set for MLB Return After Nearly One-Year Layoff: Report