Boston Red Sox Release 20-Year Veteran Starting Pitcher

The Boston Red Sox have officially parted ways with 44-year-old veteran left-hander Rich Hill after they designated him for assignment over the weekend.

Hill, who signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox in mid-August, made four relief appearances this season, allowing two earned runs over 3.2 innings and posting a 4.91 ERA. 

While he showed flashes of effectiveness by striking out five of the 15 batters he faced, his overall consistency waned, leading Boston to clear a roster spot as they prioritize younger talent for the future.

Rich Hill

In Rich Hill’s first game in 2005, Greg Maddux pitched in

In Greg Maddux’s first game in 1986, Nolan Ryan pitched in

Nolan Ryan first game was September 11, 1966

So a connectivity of 59 years between just the 3 pitchers

crazypic.twitter.com/slFSRz8WFx

— Boston Sports Info (@bostonsportsinf) August 30, 2024

Hill's release marks the end of a remarkable 20-year Major League career, in which he pitched for 13 different teams, including four separate stints with Boston. 

Hill has been the only active player to appear in a major league game in each of the last two decades, amassing 1,428 strikeouts over 1,409 innings. 

After beginning the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and later being traded to the San Diego Padres, Hill hoped to contribute to Boston’s playoff push late in the season, but with the Red Sox fading in the wild-card race, the team decided to focus on the future.

TYFYS Rich Hill 🫡

8/28/24 - 9/6/24 pic.twitter.com/AKpSHpMWRn

— Justin (@JustinMLB) September 6, 2024

To fill Hill’s roster spot, the Red Sox have called up 24-year-old Dominican right-hander Luis Guerrero from Triple-A Worcester. 

Guerrero, who boasts a 3.31 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate, is seen as a promising addition to Boston’s bullpen. 

With Hill's 45th birthday approaching, retirement may be possible for the grizzled southpaw.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images