Free-agent starting pitcher Rich Hill, who will turn 40 just prior to the beginning of the 2020 MLB season, has undergone left elbow surgery this offseason in an attempt to get back onto the mound next year.
Hill, who spent the past three and a half seasons as one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starters, had a procedure done known as “primary revision,” which attempts to fix the ulnar collateral ligament before Tommy John surgery becomes necessary.
The flame-throwing lefty last pitched in the Dodgers’ Game 4 loss in the National League Division Series to the Washington Nationals, throwing 2.2 innings, walking 4 and striking out two while allowing one run. It’s worth noting that Hill pitched this game while dealing with his elbow injury.
Instead of attempting to continue to pitch through the pain, Hill has elected to undergo this procedure in an attempt to sign a contract to play next year. He will, however, reportedly miss the first half of the season as he recovers and rehabilitates from the surgery.
Hill owns a career record of 65-42 with a 3.82 ERA in a career that took him to the Cubs, Red Sox, Orioles, Indians, Athletics, and Dodgers, and has spanned from 2005 to 2019.
