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Minnesota Twins May Reunite with Veteran Rich Hill

Originally posted on Minnesota Sports Fan
By Ted Schwerzler | Last updated Aug 10, 2024 4:01 PM ET

Joe Ryan is going to miss a considerable amount of time for the Minnesota Twins. The front office has been unable to add pitching for months. Rocco Baldelli’s starting rotation is now running on fumes. That means they may turn to old friend Rich Hill.

Rich Hill being considered by Minnesota Twins

Calling Rich Hill an old friend is putting things directly. At 44 years old, Hill is definitely old for a Major League Baseball player. Hill also pitched for Minnesota in 2020, making him a friend. He is a high-quality veteran presence, and that continues allowing him these opportunities. Recently holding a showcase to highlight where he’s at, the man affectionately known through his endearing nickname is looking to pitch in the big leagues down the stretch.

#MNTwins are in contact with LHP Rich Hill, 44, who threw today for scouts and hopes to pitch for a contender down the stretch. https://t.co/eOo7GMkvhb
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) August 9, 2024

During the truncated 2020 season, Hill owned a 3.03 ERA for Minnesota across eight starts. He’s not still a strikeout-per-inning pitcher, but posted a competent 4.76 ERA for Pittsburgh across 119 innings last year. Hill would unquestionably be at the bottom of Minnesota’s rotation. He could eat innings similar to Dallas Keuchel a season ago. It would give Zebby Matthews additional time to prove readiness at Triple-A as well. Hill is also a southpaw, which is something Minnesota doesn’t have in the rotation.

Hill threw more than 100 pitches during his showcase. While he doesn’t still possess elite stuff, he has shown durability while aging. Multiple Twins pitchers spoke glowingly of Hill during his first stint with the club as well. He can be a strong leader and mentor, which has a clubhouse aspect during a postseason run. Hill has played for 13 teams over his 19 year career. A reunion with Minnesota would make the Twins just the fourth team he has pitched multiple seasons for.

This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.

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