The Washington Nationals announced tonight that they agreed on a minor league deal with veteran lefty Rich Hill, who received an invitation to Spring Training. Hill, 34, started the 2014 campaign with the Boston Red Sox, but was released and re-signed by the Sox, who eventually traded the pitcher to the Los Angeles Angels. Hill didn't last long with the Angels and he signed with the New York Yankees in July. He threw a total of 2 ⅓ innings for the Yankees before he was outrighted in August and three more innings when he was called up in September.
For his career, the 10-year veteran has held left-handed hitters to a .216/.337/.335 line in 546 plate appearances, with right-handers putting up a .252/.332/.419 line against the southpaw in 1,504 PAs.
The #Nats have agreed to terms with LHP Rich Hill on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 28, 2015
The Nationals already have a number of left-handers in camp in Viera, Florida with Jerry Blevins, Xavier Cedeno, Matt Grace, Felipe Rivero, Sammy Solis and Matt Thornton on the 40-Man roster and in Spring Training.
Left-hander Matt Purke, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is working out with the Nationals as well.
Over the course of his career, Hill has posted a 4.72 ERA and a 4.42 FIP, with 4.34 BB/9 and 8.62 K/9 in 470 IP. As recently as 2013, the left-hander made 63 appearances for the Cleveland Indians, posting a 6.82 ERA and a 3.82 FIP in 38 ⅔ IP. If he pitches for the Nationals, they would be his seventh major league team.