Pittsburgh Pirates: Rich Hill Looking to Keep Pitching Well

Following two poor outings to start his 2023 season, veteran lefty Rich Hill has been pitching well for the Pittsburgh Pirates

This past offseason the Pittsburgh Pirates signed veteran starting pitcher Rich Hill to a one-year, $8 million contract. Hill was brought in to be both a leader for a young pitching staff, as well as a stablizing force in the starting rotation.

So far, Hill has been both of these for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is always seen in the dugout talking with young starters and assisting them with pitch grips/release points. This goes back to spring training. He has also been a great leader in the clubhouse.

Hill has also been a stabilizing force on the mound just as the team had hoped for. He has done a good job of giving the team innings, especially when they need it. As a good veteran does, Hill has gone out and fought in each start.

Hill had back-to-back poor starts in Cincinnati and at home against the White Sox to begin the season. Since then, he has made 10 starts and pitched very well. In these 10 starts Hill has pitched 56.1 innings, posting a 3.51 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 7.8% walk rate, 21.8% strikeout rate, and a 0.80 HR/9.

When the team has needed Hill to step up he has. His last outing was a great example of this. After the bullpen had to pitch 12 innings across the first two games of their series of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pirates were in dire need of a strong start from Hill in the series finale.

In that start, Hill pitched 6.2 innings. Not only did he go deep into the start he pitched very well while doing so. The only run that Hill allowed in that start was a two out solo home run to Andrew Knizner in the 7th inning.

Friday night against the New York Mets the Pirates will be in need of Hill to step up again. After losing two of three to arguably the worst team in baseball history, the Pirates need to put a foot down on Friday.

If this team is for real they will respond this weekend by taking this series against the Mets. That starts with Hill turning in a strong start for the Pirates on Friday night.