Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Hill, Kershaw, Muncy, and Santana

In what seems like a regular headline, Rich Hill has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a blister on his left middle finger. The 38-year old starting pitcher has been plagued by blister issues since re-making a name for himself in 2016 with the Athletics. Since then, Hill has been placed on the DL a total of six times with that exact injury. Hills blister resurfaced just two pitches into the game on Saturday, May 19th, against the Nationals. The Dodger bullpen had to cover all 27-outs in that game, just the second time in team history that they had to do that and the 262nd time that has happened in MLB history making it rarer than a no-hitter. Hill is expected to miss at least four weeks and it comes at a time where the veteran southpaw is really struggling. On the seasons, Hill has pitched to the tune of a 6.20 ERA, a 1.743 WHIP, and a walks per nine innings rate of 4.7- 1.3 points higher than his total last year. Hill’s return can hopefully set the stage for a change of pace in those numbers as the Dodgers will need him to help mount a comeback in the NL West.

Other notes…

• Clayton Kershaw is getting closer to his return from the disabled list, a place he has been for the last 14 days. According to multiple Dodgers’ media members, Kershaw will throw a bullpen session today, May 20th, after which the Dodgers will decide the next move for him. Kershaw’s return will provide a much-needed boost to the rotation, who has actually pitched very well in his absence. But, with Rich Hill now on the shelf for an extended period of time, Kershaw will be able to fill the void in that rotation spot. The results of his bullpen session will be detailed in tomorrow’s quick hits article.

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• This past offseason, the Dodgers added 27-year old infielder, Max Muncy to a minor league contract. At the time, Muncy’s signing was done merely for depth and like Brandon Morrow in 2017, the team could not have predicted the major league success Muncy would go on to have in that same year. Muncy is hitting .262 on the year but his batting average is not an indicator for his production even when the rest of the team struggled. Muncy has an OPS of .866 and a WAR of .6, good for fourth on the team. Muncy has also excelled when runners are on base, hitting .321 with men on and .389 with runners in scoring position. His success has warranted a starting job at first base, Cody Bellinger’s usual spot, and has actually forced Bellinger to center field. The move appears to have some permanence to it as Bellinger has played center field in four of his last five games.

• Dennis Santana made his Triple-A debut yesterday, May 19th, and could not have asked for a better showing. In six innings, Santana struck out 11 batters while walking none. He gave up a mere three base hits and also received the win to cap off his excellent showing. Santana is making quick work of everyone he faces and his success continues to point to a well deserved September call-up.

Next: Dodgers: It's Time to Transition Rich Hill to the Bullpen