Rich Hill may lose rotation spot
Rich Hill’s poor start to the season may cost him a spot in the Cubs’ rotation if it keeps up. In two starts this year, Hill has given up five earned runs over nine innings, but his worst start so far came yesterday when he allowed the Pirates to score three runs in three innings.
Now, Hill’s going to have to be looking over his shoulder. Jon Lieber, who just missed a rotation spot this spring, came in relief of Hill in yesterday’s game and didn’t allow a run over 4.1 innings. The appearance took his season total to 9.1 innings out of the bullpen without allowing a run. In addition to Hill, Sean Marshall is also up with the Cubs now, giving Lou Piniella two viable options to replace Hill in the rotation.
When asked about the possibility of Hill going to the bullpen and having either Lieber or Marshall take his spot in the rotation, Lou didn’t deny that as being an option.
“I’m going to sit down and talk to our pitching coach about that,” Piniella said. “I want what’s best for Hill. We’ve got to get him straightened out. That’s the important thing.”
Hill will probably get another start to prove he should stay in the rotation as it’s a little early in the season to be making rash decisions, however, with Sweet Lou in charge, you never know what tomorrow could hold.
Filed under: Chicago Cubs, Jon Leiber, Rich Hill, Sean Marshall