Conspicuous in the KC Royals’ 9-7 Cactus League victory over San Diego Wednesday was the short, four-batter calamity reliever Tim Hill endured before manager Mike Matheny mercifully ended his afternoon. The troubling performance compounded the shakiness of Hill’s spring work.
For Hill, spring training has taken an unexpected turn, one comprised of three disconcerting outings that could jeopardize what was widely considered a sure spot for him in the Royals’ 2020 bullpen. Although a rough start to last season forced the club to send Hill to Omaha for adjustment, Hill returned to the club and became a reliable bullpen piece during the second half of the season.