ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — On June 18, Tim Hill was released by the White Sox, by far the worst team in major league baseball.
After not receiving offers from 29 other teams, the left-handed relief pitcher signed with the Yankees as a free agent two days later.
So for anyone looking for an unsung hero at Wednesday night’s Yankees-Rays game at Tropicana Field, there couldn’t be a more unsung hero.
Hill took over from starter Marcus Stroman in the bottom of the fifth inning with the bases loaded and one out.
The Rays had already trailed by one, but Hill struck out Josh Lowe on three pitches and induced a liner to right field by Randy Arozarena.
“I was looking to get a double play or strike out,” Hill said. “I got that strikeout, so I could get it any way I wanted next time. I was excited to say the least.”
Coach Aaron Boone’s decision to substitute Stroman at a key moment in the game paid off.
“good. [Hill] “Boone came in and chopped three consecutive balls down the low like a bulldog. It looked like he scored,” Boone said. “Then [he] He made good contact with Arozarena, [Juan] “Soto, that was a great play. One of the big moments of the game tonight.”
Hill, who was the winning pitcher on Wednesday night, has appeared in eight games for the Yankees and is 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA in 11 1/3 innings.
“I think he’s having fun. I hope he’s having fun,” Boone said. “He came in and went through some tough times and pitched really well for us.”
And, of course, Hill is still a month into his Yankees career.
“busy [but I’m] “It’s starting to settle in,” said the 34-year-old, 6-foot-4, sidearm pitcher, “but yeah, that’s baseball. It’s crazy.”
