Red Sox reserving judgment with Hill

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Left-handed reliever Rich Hill worked a scoreless relief appearance Friday. And, although the Red Sox made a couple of strange plays in the field behind him, Hill remains unscored upon after three outings this spring.

The 33-year-old Hill, who signed a Minor League contract with the Red Sox in January, was late in reporting to camp because of the death of his newborn son.

Although it appears unlikely he will catch up in time to make the Opening Day roster, he could definitely be a factor in the Red Sox bullpen as the season progresses.

"He's come through a personal tragedy," manager John Farrell said. "We just want him to get comfortable.
"He came into camp, and he was in the bullpen throwing powerful and he's probably going through a dead-arm period trying to ramp up his innings which you fully expect starting late. So we're reserving some judgment there."

Hill pitched for the Red Sox from 2010-12, but was limited by an array of injuries. He spent last season with the Cleveland Indians, where he was 1-2 with a 6.48 ERA in 63 games.