Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Hill Making Progress, Maeda Succeeding, Chargois, OKC

Rich Hill, who was recently placed on DL due to a recurring blister issue, has been throwing off a mound regularly lately. Hill was given a minimum of four weeks before he would return but he and the Dodgers’ training staff have decided that the 38-year old lefty can continue to condition his arm by throwing with his finger taped up. Hill’s blister prevents him from throwing his signature curveball but with medical tape over the wound, he can fire the curve in without issue. Rich Hill plans to petition the league to allow him to pitch in games with the finger taped up despite the MLB rulebook statement against any foreign substance on the hands of a pitcher whilst in a game. Regardless, Hill’s return is not imminent.

Other notes…

• Kenta Maeda, after starting the year with a wide range of results, seems to have found his rhythm. The former Japanese superstar pitched his second straight gem against the Rockies on May 24 in which he went 6.2 innings and struck out 12. In his past two starts, Maeda has amassed 14.2 innings and has stuck out an astounding 20 batters. Also worth mentioning is Maeda has given up just four base hits in his last two outings. Maeda’s success has vaulted him to fourth in the MLB amongst qualified pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings and if he can continue that trend, his spot in the rotation will be a welcomed one every five days.

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• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
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• On Wednesday, May 24th, the Dodgers optioned new Dodgers, JT Chargois to Triple-A OKC and recalled lefty, Edward Paredes. Chargois has had a season of ebbs and flows, in which he’s should some serious promise and effectiveness and other games where he has been a true handicap for the team. Lately, Chargois has been the latter of the two options. In 17 innings this season, Chargois has walked 12 batters and has an ERA of 4.76. His WAR is an unsightly -.2 and his ERA+ is also poor at 81. Chargois will have to reprove himself at the games highest minor league level before he can get back into the major league bullpen. Until then, Paredes, who has been lights out in Triple-A, will have another opportunity to impress the club with his stuff.

• The Dodgers Triple-A team, the Oklahoma City Dodgers, have been incredible to start the season. They sit firmly atop their division with a 28-15 record and are constantly providing good options for the major league club. The OKC Dodgers have been used well as a feeder for the major league team and their current success and momentum should continue to provide hot bats and arms to the major league team. Dennis Santana and Tim Locastro are good pitchers and batters respectively to keep an eye on as both are having career years.

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