Royals will call up LHP Rich Hill, 45, for 21st season

Field Level Media|published: Tue 22nd July, 01:06 2025

Sep 1, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill (44) pitches in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Royals will call up 45-year-old left-hander Rich Hill from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday and give him the start against the host Chicago Cubs.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro made the news official late Monday night after Kansas City beat Chicago 12-4.

Hill, entering his 21st major league season, will be the oldest active player in the major leagues. He will also tie fellow pitcher Edwin Jackson's record by playing for a 14th team.

Hill most recently appeared in the majors for the Boston Red Sox last season. He was 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in four relief appearances before being designated for assignment by his hometown team in September.

He has pitched for the Cubs (2005-08), Baltimore (2009), Red Sox (2010-12, 2015, 2022, 2024), Cleveland (2013), Los Angeles Angels (2014), New York Yankees (2014), Oakland (2016), Los Angeles Dodgers (2016-19), Minnesota (2020), Tampa Bay (2021), New York Mets (2021), Pittsburgh (2023) and San Diego (2023).

His career record is 90-74 with a 4.01 ERA, 543 walks and 1,428 strikeouts in 1,409 innings over 386 games (248 starts). In 11 postseason appearances (10 starts), Hill is 1-2 with a 3.06 ERA.

Hill made nine starts for Omaha this year, going 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA.

--Field Level Media

Latest