Dodgers News: Happy Birthday, Rich Hill

The Dodgers had a gaping hole in the rotation after Zack Greinke departed for the desert. But then came the now 37-year-old Rich Hill.

With the team performing surprisingly well after losing Clayton Kershaw to injury, the Dodgers swung a midseason trade to acquire Hill from the Oakland A’s. Hill was out at the time with blisters, but made six regular season starts for the boys in blue, capturing a 1.83 ERA along the way.

Pitchers since '61 w/12+ wins in age-36 or older season to hold the opposition below .200 AVG: Ryan, R. Johnson, Clemens & Rich Hill in '16. pic.twitter.com/keWk4pIQOU

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) March 11, 2017

At one point, Hill appeared to be finished. Last season was a revival, and it paid off in a big way.

Hill capitalized on the best season of his career, earning a three-year, $48 million extension with the Dodgers. Hill rejected overtures from teams closer to his native New England area, including the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.

Happy Birthday Rich Hill! We can't wait to see you in bobblehead form at Bethpage Ballpark on Friday, April 28! #OpeningNight2017 pic.twitter.com/Ip4Ugi9WpH

— Long Island Ducks (@LIDucks) March 11, 2017

“I think it’s something that has been an incredible journey to get to this point, but never did I ever think that I would pack it in,” Hill said. “I never thought I was done.”

Hill has had a rough spring so far, accumulating a 12.60 ERA. But he’s never been a quick starter, and early struggles are far from the most he’s ever had to overcome.

The Los Angeles Times ran a profile piece detailing Hill’s path back to prominence.

Now Kershaw’s sidekick, Hill is taking aim at the next goal: a championship.