The Kansas City Royals have recalled 45-year-old left-handed pitcher Rich Hill from Triple-A Omaha, marking a historic milestone in his remarkable career, as reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray. Hill, now set to pitch for his 14th MLB team, ties Edwin Jackson’s record for the most franchises played for in a major league career. This move underscores Hill’s enduring passion and competitive spirit as he joins a Royals squad fighting for a postseason berth.
The Royals are calling up Rich Hill, per @ByRobertMurray
Hill, 45 years old, has pitched in every major league season from 2005-2024 pic.twitter.com/TgOTBRqEw0
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 21, 2025
The Journey of Dick Mountain
Hill’s journey began in 2002 when the Chicago Cubs drafted him in the fourth round. He debuted in 2005, embarking on a 20-year odyssey across 13 teams, including the Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Padres. His career stats boast a 90-74 record, a 4.01 ERA, and 1,428 strikeouts over 1,409 innings. Notably, Hill’s resilience shone through a 2017 no-hitter, which was broken up by a ninth-inning error, and a career renaissance with the Dodgers from 2015 to 2020, during which he posted a 2.92 ERA. Last season, he pitched 3.2 innings for Boston, his fourth stint with the Red Sox, before being designated for assignment.
Trip to Omaha
Now, Hill joins the Royals, a team lying five and a half games behind in the AL Wild Card standings, with a robust rotation led by Kris Bubic and Michael Wacha. His signing in May 2025 came as insurance for a pitching staff that injuries to Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo had hit. In Triple-A, Hill posted, recording a 5.36 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 42 innings. His fastball, averaging 88.9 mph, still baffles hitters with its veteran guile.
Rich Hill, 45 years old and still racking up punchies
8 strikeouts in an @OMAStormChasers quality start for the 20-year big league vet!@Royals | @MLB | @MLBNetwork pic.twitter.com/0YW2fUvIkn
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 27, 2025
Role in Kansas City
For the Royals, Hill’s role will likely be as a long reliever or spot starter. Manager Matt Quatraro, who coached Hill in Tampa, praised his fiery competitiveness, noting to MLB.com’s Brian Murphy, “Nobody wants to win more than that guy. Nobody is more fiery than he is.” Hill’s experience and mentorship will benefit younger pitchers, while his postseason pedigree— a 3.06 ERA in 13 appearances—adds depth to a playoff-contending club. However, with a stacked rotation, Hill must prove he can still compete at the major league level.
As Hill takes the mound, fans await whether he’ll cement his legacy or chase a 15th team, further etching his name in baseball history.
Main Photo Credits: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The post Veteran Southpaw Joins Royals, Ties Record with 14th MLB Team appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.