Former Dodgers Fan Favorite Put on Waivers by Division Rival

Could a return to LA be possible?

After a rough 2023 season up to this point in the year, the San Diego Padres recently placed one of their August trade deadline acquisitions on waivers in a tough decision for any team to make. 

Putting the veteran lefty Rich Hill on the block hoping someone picks him up for the remainder of the season, the Dodgers and all 28 other teams could bring in the pitcher to close out September. 

Heard the Padres have put Rich Hill on waivers to see if someone will pick him up for the last few weeks of the season. If not, he will remain with the club.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) September 12, 2023

Even after a disappointing start to his year with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Padres still dealt for the oldest man in baseball at the deadline in hopes that their playoff push would have his services front and center for them. 

Increasing his ERA by over a run in just a few starts in San Diego, Hill was placed on waivers in a tough decision for the franchise. 

Such a move could mean that Hill could be brought back to Chavez Ravine and reunited with Dave Roberts as manager and several of his teammates from his time with Los Angeles. 

Given the Dodgers' rotational issues to finish out this regular season, the addition of Hill back to the roster would be a great clubhouse move and some possible veteran mentorship for a young pitching core at Dodger Stadium. 

A few innings a night in some starts from Hill could not only help the team preserve their playoff pitching core, but some pitching wisdom could be instilled on a roster who needs some inspiration after a mediocre start to their final month of the regular season. 

With goals far beyond September or even a divisional title, taking a flier on their old friend might not be such a bad idea due to starters for LA underperforming in recent days. 

Whatever the choice may be, Hill's Dodger career will always be remembered by fans and a return back to Los Angeles would be a welcome sight.