Rich Hill Feels ‘Pain-Free’ In Programs, Scheduled To Start Throwing Pitches Shortly

BOSTON –– It's been a month and some change since the Red Sox placed Rich Hill on the disabled list.

After missing nearly a year of action –– having undergone Tommy John surgery –– Hill returned to the Red Sox in May only to experience discomfort in the same surgically repaired elbow in June.

When the Red Sox promoted Pedro Ciriaco earlier this month, they subsequently shifted Hill to the 60-day disabled list, leaving Andrew Miller as the lone lefty in the bullpen. For that reason, the Red Sox moved Franklin Morales back to relief work.

On Friday, Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine said Hill was inching closer to throwing actual pitches.

"He’s still flat ground long and long toss, but he’s feeling really good and pain-free in all of his programs" Valentine said. "I’d have to look at the calendar for when he’s scheduled on the hill, but he’s getting close. He’s feeling good."

Through 14 appearances this season, Hill has posted a 1-0 record with a 2.63 ERA and 11 strikeouts.

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