Padres reliever Tim Hill underwent surgical procedure at this time to handle a ligament damage in his left ring finger, tweets Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune. He gained’t throw for six to eight weeks however is predicted to be prepared for Spring Coaching.
Hill, 34 in February, has spent the final 4 seasons as a situational choice out of the San Diego bullpen. A sidearming lefty, he doesn’t throw onerous however works from a low sufficient arm angle to normally maintain the ball on the bottom. Hill’s grounder share has been a bit north of 60% for 3 years working, whereas his profession mark is slightly below that threshold. That resulted in consecutive sub-4.00 ERA showings from 2021-22, however his outcomes this season haven’t been as spectacular.
Over 44 1/3 innings, Hill posted a 5.48 ERA. He struck out fewer than 13% of batters confronted for the second straight 12 months. Whereas Hill saved his walks and grounders in his customary vary, he struggled when opponents have been in a position to elevate the ball. Proper-handed hitters posted a .378/.431/.602 batting line in 110 plate appearances. Righties have often given him hassle, which isn’t unusual for low-slot lefties, however this 12 months’s outcomes have been simply a profession worst.
Hill has typically fared properly in opposition to same-handed batters. From 2020-22, he saved lefties to a .212/.299/.303 line in 262 journeys to the plate. Opponents discovered extra success this season, placing up a .275/.352/.400 mark over 92 plate appearances.
The Padres and Hill agreed on a $1.85MM wage to keep away from arbitration final winter. He’d be due a modest elevate on that determine if San Diego needed to maintain him round for his ultimate season of eligibility. Given his diminished outcomes, it wouldn’t be stunning if the Padres decide in opposition to tendering him a contract.
