The Boston Red Sox probably need to add starting pitching depth if they’re going to make a postseason run, and they apparently are doing their due diligence.
With less than a month to go before the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline, the Red Sox are scouting starting pitchers Rich Hill of Oakland and Philadelphia’s Jeremy Hellickson, according to reports.
The Red Sox were among a handful of teams in attendance for Hill’s start Thursday night against the Houston Astros, according to TodaysKnuckleball.com. As many as 15 scouts were in attendance to see Hill pitch six strong innings in which he allowed just three hits and one run while striking out 10. It’s at least the second time Boston had scouts on Hill, as the San Francisco Chronicle reported Boston scouted the left-hander in his previous start on July 2.
The Red Sox certainly are familiar with Hill, who was in the Boston organization for the 2011 and 2012 seasons and again during 2015. Primarily a reliever, Hill returned to the big leagues last season as a starter. He made just four starts but dazzled in those appearances, going 2-1 with a 1.55 ERA and 36 strikeouts in just 29 innings.
When healthy, he’s been just as good this season for Oakland this season. He has a 9-3 record with a 2.25 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 76 innings. A groin strain cost him all of June, but he’s allowed just three earned runs in 12 innings since returning from the disabled list.
Interestingly, Red Sox pitching instructor Brian Bannister — who was added to the major league staff this week — is credited with helping Hill in his turnaround. So, a reunion also makes sense from that point of view.
FOX Sports/MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi reported Thursday night that Boston “recently” scouted Hellickson, adding the right-hander is one of “many rotation options they are considering.” Hellickson is enjoying his best season since 2012, as he’s 6-6 with a 3.92 ERA in 18 starts.
Hellickson certainly won’t be mistaken for a top-of-the-rotation arm, but with prices for top-line pitching expected to be through the roof, pitching-starved teams like the Red Sox might settle for someone like Hellickson. The 29-year-old is in the middle of his best stretch of the season, posting a 2.16 ERA in his last four starts.
Thumbnail photo via Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports Images
