Royals DFA Veteran Rich Hill After Historic 14-Team MLB Record

The Kansas City Royals designated veteran left-hander Rich Hill for assignment after just two starts with the team, marking the end of his 21st MLB season with a 5.00 ERA over nine innings. At 45 years old, Hill tied an MLB record by pitching for his 14th team, matching Edwin Jackson's mark, and became the oldest player to appear in a game for the Royals. Despite his competitiveness and drive, Hill struggled with command in his recent outings, leading the Royals to prioritize younger arms amid a thin pitching depth and heavily used bullpen. The Royals recalled right-hander Thomas Hatch from Triple-A Omaha to bolster their pitching staff, with Hatch potentially filling a starting or relief role. Hill's career includes notable stints with multiple teams, including four separate periods with the Boston Red Sox, and he finishes with a 90-76 record and a 4.02 ERA. While Hill's chances for another major league opportunity appear slim, his historic journey has been widely recognized, and some fans hope he might continue to pitch for additional teams.