Pittsburgh Pirates: Henry Davis First MLB Scuffles, More Takeaways From Losing 2 of 3 in Arizona

Rich Hill may be running out of gas

For much of the first 3+ months of the season veteran lefty Rich Hill has pitched well for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, recent starts have not gone as well. That makes it reasonable to wonder if the 43-year-old is finally running out of gas.

Hill started game one of this series. While his defense certainly let him down at times, Hill still struggled in the 7-3 loss. Hill allowed 5 runs on seven hits, four walks, three strikeouts, and a home run in 4 innings pitched.

Across his last five starts Hill has pitched just 25.2 innings. He's posted a 6.31 ERA and a 4.53 FIP in these starts. Hill has allowed 26 base hits, walked 16 batters, hit two batters, and allowed a pair of home runs in these starts. He has, however, still struck out 24 batters in these 25.2 innings pitched.

Another concerning sign is Hill's contact numbers in these five starts. After limiting opponents to a 31.4% hard-hit rate while inducing soft contact at a 18.2% rate in his first 13 starts, Hill has allowed hard contact at a 32.5% rate in his last five starts. While his increased hard-hit rate is not a huge increase, the amount of soft contact he has allowed has dropped all the way to 9.1%.

Getting some rest over the All-Star Break will likely do him well. Hell, maybe that will prove to be what Hill needs. But right now it is reasonable to wonder if the 43-year-old veteran is simply starting to run out of gas.