Ex-Dodgers P Rich Hill Likely to Miss Half of '20 After Undergoing Elbow Surgery

Free-agent starting pitcher Rich Hill doesn't have a new team yet, but he does have a timetable for a return from primary revision surgery on the torn UCL in his pitching elbow.

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Hill is likely to miss the first half of the 2020 season. Primary revision surgery, which the left-hander opted for instead of Tommy John surgery, "usually requires a shorter recovery time, and Hill is expected to starting throwing by the end of April," the report added. 

Hill finished his three-year, $48 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. The 39-year-old had been with the Dodgers since the Oakland Athletics traded him in August 2016.

Hill's 2019 campaign was abbreviated by a strained flexor tendon. The veteran spent time on the 60-day injured list from June 19 to Sept. 12. He started Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the eventual champion Washington Nationals, allowing one earned run across 2.2 innings.

Overall last season, Hill tallied a 4-1 record with a 2.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 72 strikeouts across 13 starts.

Hill's best season as a Dodger came in 2017 when he posted a 12-8 record, 3.32 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 166 strikeouts.

Prior to landing with the Dodgers, Hill played for seven other clubs. Despite injury obstacles, though, Hill hasn't indicated that he's ready to retire.

"As far as the free-agent market and whatever may come out of this year or after this is over with, I have no control over that, except for continuing to want to play this game at a high level and play for a competitor and play for a team that’s going to win," Hill said in October, per Bill Plunkett of the OC Register. 

His market will likely take a hit because he won't be available until June or July. However, he could appeal to a contender who needs help down the stretch.