May 19, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) throws a pitch against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Fenway Park. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox's SP Rich Hill placed on 15-day IL with left knee sprain

On Saturday, the Boston Red Sox placed starting pitcher Rich Hill on the 15-day injured list with a sprained left knee. 

Hill exited Friday night's game against Chicago Cubs after allowing three earned runs and four walks in just 4.2 innings of work. 

The 42-year-old told reporters after the game that he injured his knee on the first pitch of the fourth inning. 

"I just felt like a pop in my knee," Hill said. "But I've had some MCL issues before, in 2019. I thought it might just be something breaking up or some scar tissue or something like that. In the heat of the moment, being out there and competing, it was something I thought I could pitch through." 

Hill has a 4-4 record this season for the Red Sox with a 4.20 ERA in 14 starts. 

Boston called up right-hander Phillips Valdez from Triple-A Worcester to take Hill's spot on the active roster. 

Valdez, 30, posted a 4.26 ERA in 12.2 innings pitched for Worcester. 

In 11 appearances for Boston this season, Valdez is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA. 

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