CHICAGO — The Kansas City Royals plan to call up 45-year-old pitcher Rich Hill from the minors for a start against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, marking the left-hander’s 21st season in the majors.
According to ESPN Research, when Hill takes the mound, he will tie Edwin Jackson for the most franchises played for in MLB history at 14. He will also be the first pitcher, 45 or older, to appear in a game since Bartolo Colon in 2018.
Hill has been at Triple-A Omaha after joining the Royals as part of an offseason trade. He is 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA in nine starts at Omaha.
Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro confirmed the club’s plans after Monday night’s 12-4 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Hill appeared in four games last season for Boston. The start on Tuesday will make him the oldest active player in baseball.
Hill made 11 postseason starts during his four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including two World Series starts in 2017 and another in 2018. He went 11-5 during the latter regular season.
Hill is 90-74 with a 4.01 ERA in 386 career MLB games. He has pitched 1,409 innings and has struck out 1,428.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
