Inside The Royals

Royals DFA Former Red Sox Veteran Who Just Made MLB History

Could this finally be the end of the road for the ageless left-hander?
Colin Keane|
May 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of a glove and Boston Red Sox hat in the dugout prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
May 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of a glove and Boston Red Sox hat in the dugout prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

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Boston Red SoxKansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals designated a unique left-hander for assignment on Tuesday.

After making two starts for the Royals in July, this 45-year-old southpaw is once again available on the market, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

“Veteran starter Rich Hill's comeback lasts two starts with the KC Royals designating him for assignment,” Nightengale reported on Tuesday afternoon.

Hill etched his name into the MLB history books by appearing this season with the Royals, as noted by The Athletic’s MLB X account recently.

“Rich Hill has made a record-tying return to the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals,” The Athletic posted. “The 45-year-old left-hander tied Edwin Jackson’s record for appearing in games with 14 MLB teams.”

Hill’s incredible career has seen him pitch for over a dozen clubs, including the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the latter club signing Hill on no less than four separate occasions.

Humorous Red Sox fans took to X on Tuesday in the wake of Hill’s DFA and suggested that Boston should prepare an offer.

If this is truly it for Hill, he finishes his career with a 90-76 record, a 4.02 ERA, and 1,432 strikeouts. But most people assume that Hill will be on the hill for another club shortly. Why not try to pitch for 20 different teams?

The Royals, meanwhile, send Seth Lugo to the mound on Tuesday night versus the Atlanta Braves’ new acquisition, Erick Fedde.

More MLB: Cardinals-Royals Trade Idea Ships Intriguing 30-Year-Old Journeyman To KC

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Colin Keane
COLIN KEANE

Colin Keane is a writer for Kansas City Royals On SI. He graduated from Villanova University with a Major degree in English and a Minor degree in Business. Covering NBA, MLB, NFL and college basketball, he has contributed to various outlets including NESN and FanSided.

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