The Dick Mountain Era is over.
The Royals announced they have designated pitcher Rich Hill for assignment and selected pitcher Thomas Hatch from Triple-A Omaha. Hill gave up four runs and six walks in four innings in a loss to the Braves Monday night. In two starts, he allowed five runs in nine innings with eight walks.
The 45-year-old Hill was signed back in May as a depth piece, which came into play when the team lost Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic, and Michael Lorenzen to injury. The Royals were the 14th different MLB team he has played for, which ties a record. But he struggled with his command, laboring in his two starts.
Thomas Hatch has pitched in parts of four MLB seasons with the Blue Jays and Pirates with a 4.96 ERA in 69 innings. He made 18 starts for the Omaha Storm Chasers with a 4.22 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 91 2/3 innings. He was briefly called up earlier this year but did not enter a game. It is not clear if he will pitch out of the bullpen or if he will start Wednesday’s game against the Braves. The Royals have not yet announced a starter for that game, when Bubic was scheduled to pitch before his injury.