If you had told me that Tim Hill would be one of the New York Yankees’ best relievers, I wouldn’t have believed it. Perhaps it was because he struggled badly in 27 games for the Chicago White Sox and was unreliable. He would later be released and that typically is a career death sentence when you’re cut by the league’s worst team. However, Hill has been thriving since being picked up by New York. Hill has been one of their better relievers and how he’s turned around his season is truly remarkable.
Early Season Struggles With The White Sox
Embed from Getty ImagesTim Hill spent the first three months of the season with the Chicago White Sox. During his time on the south side, Hill struggled badly. He put together a record of 1-0 with an ERA of 5.87, and a 2.217 WHIP. However, some of his struggles were a result of some bad luck as Hill had a FIP of 3.48 with Chicago. Opposing hitters also seemed to be having a field day whenever he took the mound. Opponents put up a slash line of .387/.441/.425 with a .865 OPS. Opposing teams also had a batting average of .436 against Hill whenever they put the ball in play. The Sox would designate the 34-year-old reliever for assignment in June and eventually release him. Whenever a player is released by the worst team in baseball, they typically consider playing overseas or retiring.
The Yankees Needed Relievers
Fortunately for Hill, the Yankees were desperate for relievers. Ian Hamilton and Nick Burdi were all on the injured list and the team had already DFA’d three other relievers. Two days after being released, the Yankees would sign Tim Hill to a Major League contract. Since signing with the Yankees, Tim Hill has made a stunning turnaround to his season. In 31 games with the Yankees, Hill is 3-0 with an ERA of 2.06 and a 1.017 WHIP. Opposing hitters have only been able to put together a slash line of .226/.265/.288 with a .552 OPS. Opposing teams are also only hitting .238 whenever they put the ball in play. Hill has also established himself as one of the most dependable pitchers in the Yankees bullpen.
Arguably The Yankees Most Important In Season Acquisition
The Yankees bullpen has been very maligned this season, however, Tim Hill’s quick turnaround since coming to the Bronx has been a pleasant surprise. The submarine reliever went from being cut by the worst team in baseball to most likely being on the Yankees postseason roster. Hill has given the Yankees more than they ever could’ve expected. It’s also a testament to the greatness of pitching coach Matt Blake. One could argue that acquiring Tim Hill might’ve been one of the most important moves made during the season.
Tim Hill Has Come A Long Way In 2024
Embed from Getty ImagesTim Hill has come a long way since his early season struggles with the Chicago White Sox. The veteran reliever’s quick turnaround of his season has truly been remarkable. He went from being cut by the worst team in baseball to one of the Yankees’ most dependable bullpen arms. Given how successful he’s been, he’ll more than likely be on the Yankees postseason roster. Nobody could’ve expected that the signing of Tim Hill would be a difference-making move.
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