Red Sox manager Alex Cora explains why he's taking a shot on a 44-year-old pitcher

As the Boston Red Sox have been looking for help both in the starting rotation and in their bullpen, they selected Rich Hill's contract from Triple-A Worcester earlier in the week.

Hill, after spending most of the year out of the sport and coaching his son's little league baseball team, signed the 44-year-old to a minor league deal two weeks ago, and he appeared in one game for Worcester before rejoining the Red Sox for the fourth time in his career.

While Hill's fastball won't strike fear into anyone at the plate, he still believes he can help the club down the stretch.

“Being around the kids this summer, it’s just the love I have for the game of baseball. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t love it,” Hill said ( via MassLive ). “I also wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t think I had the ability to go out there and not only compete, but also contribute."

Red Sox manager Alex Cora explained why the Red Sox decided to bring him in.

“He’s very smart. He takes care of his body,” said manager Alex Cora. “He’s willing to evolve with the game. With him, the spin will always play. That’s something organizations always like, the fastball and the breaking ball. If you throw strikes, you’ll always have a chance. He wants to do it, he loves to do it and he loves the game. I’m glad that he’s here.”

Boston could use the help, and Hill has yet to make his 2024 debut, but if he's better than he was in 2023, the Red Sox will benefit from his arrival.

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