May 22, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Dane Dunning (33) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
“Sometimes,” he said, “when you’re at a place where maybe you’re not being respected to the point where you think you should be
Hill was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers seven days ago. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock. He then exercised his right to become a free agent. It’s possible he could return to the Rangers on a new minor-league deal or seek an opportunity elsewhere.
Hill was hitting .333 (43-for-129) with 10 doubles, four triples and eight home runs with Round Rock before getting a promotion to the big leagues in May.
Hill, 28, was picked by the Tigers in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2014 draft. Known for his blazing speed and exceptional defense, he made his MLB debut in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and played in spurts over the next two seasons.
He was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners after being designated for assignment by the Tigers in 2022 and spent the remainder of the season with the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate. He signed a minor-league contract with Washington before the 2023 season. Hill got 50 plate appearances with the Nationals’ big-league club but spent most of last year with Triple-A Rochester.
Hill signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers in December.
