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Tampa Bay Rays: Rich Hill finding his stride

By David Hill

May 13, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Rich Hill (14) throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Rich Hill (14) throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rich Hill was the quintessential Tampa Bay Rays signing. Although he cost just $2.5 million for the 2021 season, and was set to turn 41 years old in spring training, he had the type of upside where he could vastly outperform that contract. The key was making sure he stayed healthy, something that has been easier said than done over the years.

The problem with signing older players is that their age can catch up with them quickly. That appeared to be the case with Hill in the early part of the season. He had posted an 8.82 ERA and a 1.531 WHiP over his first 16.1 innings spanning four starts. Although he struck out 14 batters, he was getting hit hard, allowing a .916 OPS in those outings.

Rich Hill finding his stride for Tampa Bay Rays

To their credit, the Rays did not waiver in their confidence that Hill would get on track. Even when other pitchers were brought up, it was never suggested that he would lose his spot in the rotation. The Rays knew his track record, and that when he found his stride, he would essentially pitch like an ace.

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That time has come. Hill has found himself once again, looking like the pitcher that the Rays had been hoping for. Over his last four starts, he has allowed just two earned runs and 20 baserunners in 21.2 innings, striking out 27 batters. Those outings have come against solid competition, as Hill has faced the A’s twice, the Astros, and the Yankees.

He was dominant on Thursday against New York. Hill had his longest outing of the year at 6.2 innings, throwing 104 pitches. He allowed just three hits and three walks, striking out nine as he held the powerful Yankees lineup off the scoreboard.

Hill will not be this dominant all season. Likewise, he will not revert back to the pitcher he was over the first four starts either. But he should be something in between, a solid back of the rotation arm who can have stretches where he is far more. Right now, he is in the midst of one of those runs where he is pitching as though he was a staff ace.

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Rich Hill has found his stride for the Tampa Bay Rays. His recent run of success makes his struggles from earlier in the year an unpleasant memory.

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