Former Red Sox Pitcher’s Latest MLB Comeback Bid Ends Abruptly
The 45-year-old's latest comeback attempt was short-lived
The latest MLB comeback bid for longtime former Boston Red Sox hurler Rich Hill was short-lived, as the soft-tossing lefty was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.
The Royals promoted the 45-year-old Boston native from Triple-A Omaha on July 21 and he made two starts with Kansas City. The Royals were Hill’s 14th MLB team he played for, tying former right-handed pitcher Edwin Jackson’s record.
The 1999 draft pick (who was selected again in 2001 and 2002) went 0-2 with Kansas City and allowed seven runs (five earned) on nine hits and eight walks with four strikeouts across nine innings pitched.
Hill was solid in his first 2025 outing, surrendering just three runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks with one strikeout on July 22 against the Chicago Cubs, but struggled on Monday vs. the Atlanta Braves. The University of Michigan product allowed four runs (all earned) on three hits (including two home runs) while walking six and striking out three in Monday’s 10-7 loss.
Hill’s spent parts of six different seasons in Boston across four separate stints, most recently in 2024. He allowed two runs on one hit (a home run) along with three walks and five strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings over four outings with the Red Sox last year.
If Hill goes through waivers unclaimed, he could return to Triple-A Omaha or become a free agent.
