Washington Nationals Sign Rich Hill To Minor-League Deal

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The Washington Nationals have reached an agreement with left-handed relief pitcher Rich Hill on a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training, the team announced.

The 34-year-old left-hander pitched for three organizations last season, making it to the big leagues for two of them. Hill started off signing a minor-league deal in February with the Boston Red Sox. After failing to make the team out of the spring training, the team released him and signed him to a new, minor-league deal as spring training wrapped up in March. In 39 innings pitched for the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate at Pawtucket, he pitched to a 3-3 record, along with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.179 WHIP, over 25 games pitched out of the bullpen.

His performance in Triple-A got his contract purchased by the Los Angeles Angels, placing him on their major-league roster. However, in two games pitched for the Angels, he failed to record an out, as he allowed one run, one hit and walked three batters.

He was quickly designated for an assignment and claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees. He headed to their Triple-A affiliate at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he didn’t allow a run in four innings pitched over four games, only allowing two hits. He also recorded two stints with their big league team, recording a 1.69 ERA and a 1.688 WHIP in five and 2/3 innings pitched over fourteen games pitched out of the bullpen.

Over his ten-year major-league career, he has pitched for the Chicago Cubs (2005-08), Baltimore Orioles (2009), Boston Red Sox (2010-12), Cleveland Indians (2013), Los Angeles Angels (2014) and the New York Yankees (2014). He has a career record of 24-22, along with a 4.72 ERA, in 471 innings pitched over 197 games (70 starts).