Rich Hill might be close to returning to Baltimore.
The inconsistent left-hander threw 95 pitches in six scoreless innings at Class AAA Norfolk Sunday afternoon, and could return from his elbow soreness later this week. Manager Dave Trembley was aware of the importance of Sunday's start for Hill, even before the former Cubs prospect took the mound. "(Sunday) is an interesting day for him and for us."
Hill has been slowed by wildness each of the last two seasons, and was dealt to the Orioles for lefty Garrett Olson in spring training. Of 95 pitches Sunday, 60 were strikes. He struck out seven against three walks in the Tides' 3-1 win against Buffalo.
Hill opened the season on the disabled list with elbow soreness, and is out of options. Upon his activation from the disabled list, he'll have to stick with the 25-man roster or become exposed to waivers. He'll also likely start, having pitched in relief just 27 times in the majors -- none since 2006.
Hill would likely replace left-hander Mark Hendrickson in the rotation, enabling the veteran lefty to become a valuable long reliever. Other possibilities would send Hill to the bullpen, or Hill to the rotation in favor of righty Adam Eaton.
YANKEES 5, ORIOLES 3: Koji Uehara was strong and Aubrey Huff pumped in three runs with a first-inning homer, but all was wasted. The Yankees sent seven batters to the plate in the seventh inning to take the lead and send the O's to 6-12 against American League East foes.
