It should be big news that a 44-year-old pitcher was called up to the majors on Tuesday. But this is Rich Hill. It has come to be expected.
The lefthander from Milton mentioned back in spring training that his plan was to spend the spring coaching his son, Brice, in Little League then ramp up to play again.
“Kind of a pre-planned approach,” he said.
Coach Hill was a man of his word. He started a throwing program working with Jason Turner, a former catcher at Saint Anselm College who now runs a fitness center in Weymouth.
“We were able to work together the entire summer,” Hill said. “It was great. Kind of a perfect opportunity for both of us. Throwing every single day for the most part.”
Hill pitched in front of scouts two weeks ago, signed with the Sox, and was assigned to Triple A Worcester. He threw two scoreless innings last Friday, and that was enough to get him called up.
The Red Sox are the land of opportunity for a pitcher with an active pulse, especially a lefthander. The Sox have made 11 roster moves involving pitchers since Monday morning.
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Lockers get emptied and filled up at Fenway Park like it’s a bus station. So why not give Hill a chance? At this stage the Sox need whatever help they can get.
If Hill contributes to even just a few victories, that’s a plus.
“Talking to him, he’s willing to do anything, and we know he can get lefties out,” manager Alex Cora said. “He looks great. Physically he has always taken care of that part. He’s excited to be back and we’ll use him the right way.”
Hill pitched for the Sox from 2010-12 and again in 2015 and 2022. Returning to his hometown team was the goal, but Hill would have taken any opportunity had the Sox declined to sign him.
In his mind, there was no downside in trying. Jesse Chavez, Charlie Morton, and Justin Verlander are all still pitching into their 40s.
“You’ve just to be ready for the opportunity,” said Hill, who didn’t appear in a 6-3 victory against Toronto. “I think that’s the biggest thing, staying ready and understanding that preparation and opportunity can come together . . . be ready for whatever was around the corner.”
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As Hill was talking to reporters, former Dodgers teammate Kenley Jansen walked through the clubhouse.
“Dick Mountain!” he said, using Hill’s cheeky nickname.
Everybody laughed, including Hill. But the Red Sox aren’t running a fantasy camp, and this isn’t a lark for Hill.
The Sox started the day five games out of a playoff spot with 31 games to play. It’s not looking good, but it’s not impossible.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t love to play the game and I also wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think that I had the ability to go out there and compete,” Hill said.
“Not only compete but also contribute in a positive way to a major league clubhouse.”
Hill is somebody you’d want for a neighbor. But he’s also an intense competitor on the field, cursing himself out for bad pitches and standing up for teammates.
When his Little League team was getting routed during a recent tournament in Cooperstown, Hill was snarling at the opposing coach for stealing bases with a nine-run lead.
The fading Sox could use somebody like that around. Hill doesn’t throw as hard as he used to, but he throws strikes, his curveball is sharp, and there’s enough life on his fastball
“Any role at any time,” he said. “Being prepared for that and built up, whether that’s short duration, long duration, starting, bulk innings, whatever it might be.”
One appearance would give Hill 20 consecutive seasons in the majors. That would be a nice round number to go out on.
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Might this season be it for him? Hill would not concede that point.
“Not really,” he said. “But obviously time is undefeated.”
Time can wait to claim its next victim. Rich Hill is back in baseball.
Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him @PeteAbe.
