MLB Insider Suggests LA Add Former Dodgers Fan Favorite Pitcher Before Trade Deadline
It's no secret that the Dodgers need some pitching help this season. They have dealt with more injuries than you can count and have also had some uncharacteristic inconsistency issues. They team will look to add before the trade deadline and see what is available but with the expanded playoffs, it looks like we may see less sellers than every this season. There will be some options for them and of course, LA isn't normally shy about trying to upgrade the team when needed.
ESPN senior MLB writer David Schoenfield threw out an interesting name for LA and one that Dodger fans are quite familiar with.
"How invested are the Dodgers in 2023? It was always going to be a step-back season as they’re seemingly saving money to go after Ohtani, but in no way did they envision falling from first in fewest runs allowed in the NL - which they’ve done the past six seasons -- to the bottom half. Clayton Kershaw has been the only starter to not miss a start, but at least they’ll get Julio Urias back soon. A rotation of Kershaw, Urias, Tony Gonsolin and rookies Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan could be good enough to make a second-half run. Still, an additional depth player makes sense given Kershaw’s health history and potential inning limits on the rookies. How about old friend Hill, still effective for the Pirates at 43 years old?"
On the year, Hill holds a record of 7-7 and has an ERA of 4.40 over 17 games played. He has struck out 82 batters in 90 innings pitched so he is showing that he can still punch guys out. But the biggest issue that I have is he is 43-years-old.
Yes, Hill could provide some stability to the back end of the Dodgers rotation but how much and what would it cost to get him? If it wasn't much, then why not? He was a fan favorite during his time here and Dodger fans would love to have Dick Mountain back on the hill wearing the blue.
However, I believe that the Dodgers could find a better option to help bolster the rotation and staff. This would be more of a move to just add around the edges and bring some depth in.
If the team were to make other moves in addition to bringing in Hill, sign me up. But I just can't see President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman giving up much of value for Hill at this point in his career.
