Rich Hill Injury: Updates on Athletics SP's Groin and Return

Rich Hill's surprising resurgence hit a snag, as the Oakland Athletics left-hander was dealing with an injury to his groin that forced him to the disabled list on June 9. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates. 

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Hill Active vs. Pirates

Saturday, July 2

The Athletics announced Hill will play against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

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Injuries Have Once Again Slowed Hill 

The 36-year-old Hill hasn't appeared in a game since May 29, throwing 6.1 innings with nine strikeouts in a 4-2 win over the Detroit Tigers. He exited in the seventh inning after aggravating his groin on a pitch to Jose Iglesias. 

Injuries have always been a part of Hill's career. He came up as a starter with the Chicago Cubs in 2005 but only made more than 16 starts once in his first five years before moving to the bullpen from 2010-14.

Hill returned to the big leagues as a starter with the Boston Red Sox late last season, posting a 1.55 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 29 innings, which led to Oakland giving him a one-year contract. He's been terrific through 11 starts this year, posting a 2.25 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 64 innings, and he was named American League Pitcher of the Month in May. 

It's never been easy with Hill, though he did prove capable of dominating opposing lineups this season when healthy. He can be a difference-maker down the stretch this year if he can remain healthy.