Rich Hill, a 44-year-old left-handed pitcher, has rejoined the major leagues, being selected by the Boston Red Sox from Triple-A Worcester. If Hill gets to play in 2024, he would become the only active player to have appeared in a game for 20 consecutive seasons. Red Sox manager Alex Cora commented on Hill’s physical condition, noting that he has taken good care of himself and expressed excitement about his return.
Due to injuries affecting their pitching staff, the Red Sox’s plan for Hill’s utilization remains unclear, but Cora mentioned Hill’s willingness to fulfill any role the team requires. Hill, wearing the No. 44 jersey, could potentially become the second pitcher after Tim Wakefield to play for the Red Sox at 44 years old or older. Wakefield last played for the team at age 45 in 2011 and passed away last October, being honored by the Red Sox with a memorial patch on their jersey sleeves this season.
This marks Hill’s fourth tenure with the Red Sox after signing a minor league contract with the team in August. The pitcher, born in Boston, boasts a career record of 90-73 with a 4.01 ERA in 382 games. Hill has previously played for 13 major league teams and made his MLB debut in 2005 with the Chicago Cubs.
In further pitching changes, the Red Sox placed Luis García and Lucas Sims on the injured list due to elbow inflammation and a right lat strain, respectively. Greg Weissert and Josh Winckowski were called up from Worcester, while Brad Keller was designated for assignment.
