Los Angeles Dodgers: Rich Hill likely out as a starter in October

There is a reason why the Los Angeles Dodgers are evaluating starting pitching options and that reason is none other than Rich Hill’s health.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts signaled what Dodger fans have dreaded since starting pitcher Rich Hill went on the 60-day injury list. After Sunday’s 9-3 win over rival Arizona Diamondbacks, Roberts conceded that there won’t be enough time for Hill to work his way back to be a starter in October.

Hill has been on the IL since being diagnosed with a left forearm flexor strain, he is progressing in his rehab and is likely to back on the field in September, but Roberts doesn’t think it will be enough time to get him playoff-ready as a starter.

Since coming over to the Dodgers in 2016 Hill has been one of their more effective starters, posting a 30-16 record and 3.19 ERA in 65 starts. In the playoffs, Hill has been just as good sporting a career 3.01 ERA and was masterful last year, striking out 17 batters over 16 innings with a 2.16 ERA.

The fact that Hill won’t be ready as a starter doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be able to contribute. Early this week Hill told reporters he would be willing to help out of the bullpen, stating (h/t OC Register):

"“Ideally, starting is the priority. But again, it all depends on how this is going to play out time-wise and how we can get built up. It’s just the time frame and where we’re going to be at. But hopefully, we do get built up to start. Either way, get back to pitching.”"

The Dodgers will need left-handed pitching out of the bullpen. With only Adam Kolarek and Julio Urias in the bullpen at the moment, Hill could be ready to help the team when needing to get left-handed batters out.

With Hill not likely to start in October this means young pitching prospects Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin might be auditioning for starter roles in the playoffs, especially in September when the rosters expand.

Either pitcher may be tasked with pitching a big game four in any series the Dodgers might encounter in October.

Another option could be an “opener” situation where multiple pitchers try to eat up innings to start a game. With the Dodgers shaky bullpen at this point, it is not likely that come October that would be an ideal situation if the “opener” can’t come through.

Whatever happens without Hill, the Los Angeles Dodgers front office has built up enough depth in their pitching rotation to make a lengthy playoff run. It will be up to the players to make the front office look good by coming through.