BREAKING NEWS: Star Returns To Red Sox For his 20th consecutive MLB season.

BOSTON AP  Rich Hill is making a return to Major League Baseball after nearly 20 years and over a dozen teams since his initial big league debut.

The Boston Red Sox have called up the 44-year-old left-hander from Triple-A Worcester as he seeks to add another chapter to his storied career. If Hill makes an appearance in 2024, he will become the only active player to have played in each of the last 20 seasons.

“He looks fantastic physically. He’s always been good about taking care of himself. He’s thrilled to be back,” said manager Alex Cora before the Red Sox faced the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. “He’s been very focused on his craft over the past few months, as he always is. So there’s no doubt he’ll be physically ready and pitching well.”

With the Red Sox’s pitching staff struggling with injuries, it’s uncertain how Hill will be utilized or where he might be placed. According to Cora, Hill is prepared to contribute in any way the team needs.

Wearing No. 44, Hill could become the second pitcher in Red Sox history to play at age 44 or older, joining former teammate Tim Wakefield. Wakefield, who wore No. 49, set the record at 45 before his final game on September 25, 2011. Wakefield passed away last October, and the Red Sox are honoring him this season with a No. 49 patch on their jerseys.

 

 

 

This marks  Rich Hill fourth tenure with the Red Sox, who signed him to a minor league contract on August 16. Hill pitched two scoreless innings in a start for Worcester on Friday, recording two strikeouts, one walk, and hitting a batter with a pitch.

Hill has played for 13 major league teams, just one shy of Edwin Jackson’s record.

A Boston native, Hill has a career record of 90-73 with a 4.01 ERA over 382 games, including 248 starts. His previous stints with the Red Sox were from 2010-12, and again in 2015 and 2022. Last season, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres.

Hill began his major league career with the Chicago Cubs in 2005 and has also pitched for Baltimore, Cleveland, Oakland, the Angels, Yankees, Dodgers, Twins, Rays, and Mets.

In other pitching updates, the Red Sox placed right-handed relievers Luis García (elbow inflammation) and Lucas Sims (right lat strain) on the 15-day injured list. Greg Weissert and Josh Winckowski were recalled from Worcester, and right-hander Brad Keller was designated for assignment.