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Kansas City Royals Starting Pitcher Rich Hill Returns Against the Chicago Cubs

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Justin Rimpi | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 9:40 PM ET

Veteran Starting Pitcher Rich Hill returned to the mound this evening on the road against the Chicago Cubs. Kansas City is Hill’s 14th MLB team. That tied him with Edwin Jackson for the most teams played for in league history.

Hill’s first inning back in the big leagues was a stressful one. He was able to work around a jam that had two runners on with only one out. The veteran was unable to work out of trouble in the second inning because of poor defense. He surrendered two runs in the second inning. A throwing error from Third Baseman Nick Loftin made both runs unearned. Hill’s night ended with three runs(one earned) over five innings of work. How will the rest of his season go?

What Can Rich Hill Bring To the Kansas City Royals?

45-year-old Rich Hill is appearing for his 14th team, tying Edwin Jackson's MLB record! pic.twitter.com/AqwY6fZ3iL

— MLB (@MLB) July 23, 2025

It is unclear what role Hill, 45, will have with the Kansas City Royals in 2025. The 2025 season has not gone according to plan for the Royals. Following a trip to the ALDS, Kansas City is under .500. The veteran pitcher will provide depth to a Royals team with a great pitching staff. They are second in ERA, sixth in opposing batting average, and fifth in WHIP.

The pitching staff must continue carrying the load until the offense can hold up its end of the bargain. With only 60 games left in the regular season, the offense needs to get going sooner rather than later.

Final Thoughts

Hill’s next scheduled start is at home against the Atlanta Braves on July 28. The veteran lefty has played for half the league; the Braves were not one of those teams. The elder statesman will look to keep holding off “Father Time” this summer in Kansas City, Missouri.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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