Rich Hill was pulled during the middle of a perfect game bid for the Dodgers on Saturday as the team opted to preserve his health.
The 36-year-old southpaw had thrown 89 pitches when the Dodgers decided to lift him for reliever Joe Blanton. The decision was difficult, but it was founded given the situation.
Hill recently returned from a blister injury that landed him on the disabled list. He pitched on Aug. 24 after being acquired by the Dodgers, but then was scratched from his next start. Then he pitched six innings in his second start with the Dodgers, also getting the win. This was just his third start for the Dodgers.
Hill has been spectacular for the Dodgers when able to pitch. He’s thrown 19 scoreless innings over three starts for the team, allowing just six hits and two walks. The team has much bigger things in mind than a perfect game; they’re going after a World Series and will need Hill for the playoffs.
This is the second time this season that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has made a similar tough call. He also pulled Ross Stripling during a no-hitter in April.
