The Kansas City Royals have designated veteran left-handed pitcher Rich Hill for assignment following his brief tenure with the team, which included just two starts. The announcement was made on July 30, 2024. During his time with the Royals, Hill, who is now 45 years old, pitched a total of nine innings, suffering losses in both games and finishing with a 5.00 ERA.
Hill’s recent stint with Kansas City marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career, as he became the oldest player in Major League Baseball while competing in his 21st season. His appearances also enabled him to tie the record for playing with a 14th team, a mark previously held by fellow pitcher Edwin Jackson.
Prior to being recalled by the Royals, Hill had been with Triple-A Omaha, where he made nine starts this season and recorded a 4-4 record with a 5.36 ERA. In a corresponding move, Kansas City has recalled right-hander Thomas Hatch from Omaha.
Rich Hill’s Career and Achievements
Throughout his career, Hill has played for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs from 2005-2008, the Baltimore Orioles in 2009, and multiple stints with the Boston Red Sox from 2010-2012, and then again in 2015, 2022, and 2024. His extensive career also includes time with the Cleveland Guardians (2013), Los Angeles Angels (2014), New York Yankees (2014), Oakland Athletics (2016), Los Angeles Dodgers (2016-2019), Minnesota Twins (2020), Tampa Bay Rays (2021), New York Mets (2021), Pittsburgh Pirates (2023), and San Diego Padres (2023).
Over his career, Hill has accumulated a record of 90-74, with a 4.01 ERA, alongside 543 walks and 1,428 strikeouts across 1,409 innings in 386 games, of which 248 were as a starter. His postseason experience includes 13 appearances, with a record of 1-2 and a 3.06 ERA.
Hatch, 30, returns to the major leagues for the first time since 2023, when he split the season between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his major league career, he has a record of 4-4 with a 4.96 ERA in 39 appearances, including six starts. This season, Hatch has posted a 5-6 record with a 4.22 ERA across 18 starts for Omaha. He also spent the 2024 season pitching in Japan, further broadening his experience.
The Royals’ decision to part ways with Hill highlights the ongoing challenges teams face in balancing veteran presence with performance on the field. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how both Hill and Hatch adapt to their next opportunities in professional baseball.
