In theory, the bullpen of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts currently contains nine relievers. In practice, the unit is often limited by attrition. In a 7-4 loss to San Diego on Saturday, Roberts operated with only five relievers available. Three had pitched too much lately. A fourth, Ross Stripling, had been named an emergency starter for Sunday's series finale.
"Nothing's wrong," Hill said. "There's nothing going on. They just decided to go with Strip."
Roberts indicated Hill had not been able to spin many curveballs while nursing the finger injuries. Hill said this was not true.
"Right now," Roberts said, "we're just going to buy Rich some more time.