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Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said prior to Sunday's game that reliever Rich Hill, who was placed on the disabled list, has been dealing with tightness in his left elbow. Hill will see Dr. James Andrews, who performed his Tommy John surgery last June, to determine the cause of the pain.
Valentine said the tightness in the elbow began approximately three weeks ago, but that it went away before coming back recently. He added that Hill "just didn't feel great" throwing curveballs, especially in an at-bat against Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper on Friday night.
WEEI:Hill to see Dr. James Andrews
This was news yesterday but there hasn't been anything else about the severity of the injury. While Dr. James Andrews is the one who performed Hill's Tommy John surgery, it's never a good sign to hear that a pitcher is going to talk to him. More times than not, a meeting with Dr. Andrews means your season is done.
Hill has been a great story to watch over the past two seasons. The kid from Milton wins a roster spot to and gets to play for the Sox. He started out strong and appeared that he carved out a spot for him in the bullpen as the go to lefty, until he blew out his elbow. The Sox never found his replacement and could've used him down the stretch. Seeing him come back this season was great to see and while Franklin Morales has emerged as the lefty, Hill is still an important piece of the puzzle.
I'm hoping that this is just a big overreaction about the Hill\Andrews meeting and that all he needs is some rest. If he needs another surgery on that elbow, it could be the end for him.
Rest of the Links: Globe: Red Sox swept | Sox place hill on DL, Melancon recalled | Ortiz one of few bright spots for Red Sox | Herald:Losers lamenting | Lester's losing patience | Sox swept to finish dreadful homestand | CSNNE: Groundhog day | Nava scratched from Sunday's game | Questionable umpiring leaves Sox with bad taste in mouth | WEEI: Washington sweeps Sox | A tale of two rotations
