Rich Hill could be returning to a new role.
The 39-year-old left-hander is recovering from an elbow injury and is in the early parts of his rehab. Hill told reporters he was “healing ahead of schedule,” however, he could have to pitch out of the bullpen when he gets back on the mound for Los Angeles.
Hill has made just one regular-season relief appearance with the Dodgers, but there may not be enough games left on the schedule for him to be stretched out as a starter.
“Any way to help,” Hill said, via the Orange County Register. “Ideally, starting is the priority. But again, it all depends on how this is going to play out time-wise and how we can get built up. It’s just the time frame and where we’re going to be at. But hopefully we do get built up to start. Either way, get back to pitching.”
Hill, who last pitched in mid-June, holds a 4-1 record with a 2.55 ERA in 10 starts this season. He has struck out 61 and walked 12 in 53 innings on the mound.
“We just want to let this process happen for Rich and get him as healthy as we can, understanding his health is most important for this year and beyond for him in his career,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Where that is at the end of September, we will assess the role.
"He just wants to come back and contribute. With what he’s done for us in the postseason in years past, you know he can be a big-time contributor. Where that puts him, at that point in time we’ll have the discussion when that time comes.”
The Dodgers entered play Tuesday in first place of the National League West with an MLB-best 75-40 record.