Shawn

Hill

Hill reportedly had soreness in his elbow following the outing and according to general manager Jim Bowden is a long way from returning to the Nationals.

Hill pitched well in his start against the Dodgers on Saturday. “I’d like him to pitch,” pitching coach Randy St. Claire said. “But we’ll try to get him in there the next day.” Ramon Ortiz will pitch on Friday.

He was handed a loss, but it was still a decent effort for a guy who hadn’t pitched in 10 days. Hill doesn’t have any value in NL-only leagues.

He gave up two hits, walked three and struck out four. Hill is a poor bet for the long-term, but today’s performance leaves him with a 1.80 ERA after three starts. He’ll have to face the Yankees next, so NL-only leaguers won’t want him active this week.

Another solid outing from Hill, but he’s still the top candidate to be demoted when John Patterson returns next week. He’ll probably remain with the team as a reliever.

Hill didn’t factor into the decision, but he earned himself at least one more start. It remains doubtful that Hill will be worth using in NL-only leagues.

Hill just moved up to Triple-A after posting a 2.64 ERA in 44 1/3 innings for Double-A Harrisburg. He’d be a poor bet in NL-only leagues.

Hill has already been on the DL for a month and a half. The Nationals shouldn’t have been counting on him for anything this year anyway.

Hill, who debuted for the Expos in 2004 and missed last year following Tommy John surgery, was 3-2 with a 2.64 ERA, 40 H and 29/4 K/BB in 44 1/3 IP for Double-A Harrisburg. He’s not someone fantasy leaguers need be too concerned about, but he could be an option for the Nationals later this season.

Hill, who allowed two runs in five innings in his only start for New Orleans, will make his first major league appearance since 2004 when he faces the Dodgers on Saturday. He shouldn’t have any fantasy value.