When the San Diego Padres made their moves at the trade deadline, there was skepticism about why they were adding to an underperforming squad. However, in the organization, there was faith that the season could be turned around.
So the Friars made some moves around the edges to try and give them more of a chance for a playoff push. Yet, fast forward a few weeks, and the Padres find themselves in a very similar territory.
They are still sitting outside the playoff picture and are fighting their way back. One of the moves that they made was acquiring veteran left-hander Rich Hill from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Hill was brought in to help stabilize the starting rotation as the Padres have dealt with some injuries recently. He knows that he can perform better and that he was brought here to start games for this team at a high level
“I think that’s the reason I was brought in here,” said Hill. “For multiple reasons, but I think also to start games.”'
So far, Hill hasn’t been great with San Diego, but he expects to get better as his comfort level rises.
“Last start I threw the ball well,” Hill said Tuesday. “It’s getting on a level of comfort and the same page with the catchers and stuff like that, and (Luis Campusano) and I certainly did that the last outing.”'
Hill had a 9.53 ERA over three starts with the Padres. It hasn’t been pretty to say the least, but the veteran knows that the ultimate goal is to win games.
He just wants to do whatever he can to help the team win games, even if it means that he is a limited contributor.
“I want to win at the end of the day, ultimately,” Hill said. “That’s why we’re all here. So to be able to contribute and be a contributory factor in that winning, I think that’s also important.”
Both Hill and the Padres need to pick things up quickly. The clock is ticking on the season for the Friars, and time isn’t on their side at all.
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