Rich Hill, 2009 Topps Updates and Highlights #UH29

Sometimes, you dig into a box of cards and come out with a reminder that Rich Hill, Baltimore Oriole used to be a thing. Looking at his delivery in this photo, I'm not sure how the lefty won three games for the O's in 2009. His 7.80 ERA in 57.2 innings, however, makes a bit more sense. Yes, I'm picking on Rich. This is obviously a spring training picture, and he could just be doing some long toss...but from the mound? Maybe. I don't know nearly as much about baseball as I'd like to think.

Hill seemed to find his niche as a lefty relief specialist for the Red Sox, but he couldn't stay healthy. From 2010-2012, he posted a cumulative 1.14 ERA in Boston, but saw action in just 40 games comprising 31.2 innings. He went to Cleveland in 2013 and made it into 63 games last season, but his 38.2 innings did not go so smoothly: 38 hits, 29 walks, and a 6.28 ERA. Rich re-signed with Boston this spring, but is biding his time at AAA Pawtucket, where he has a 3.62 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 17 appearances. At 34, it may seem like time is running out for Hill to establish himself...but he is left-handed, so he'll probably get a few more chances in the majors before all is said and done.