What It Means:

Hill was able to throw a bullpen session on Friday without covering his blistered left middle finger, but while the blister is improving, Hill is not yet ready to take the mound. This means he won't have the chance to pitch again prior to the trade deadline and he will have gone more two weeks between starts. It will likely affect Hill's trade market, although he and his 2.25 ERA can probably expect to still be dealt. Teammate Sonny Gray will get Sunday's start on regular rest.

Hill has posted a 3.55 xFIP and an impressive 28.94 strikeout percentage (league average is 21.01 percent) in 76 innings pitched this season. Our models project him to record a 3.61 ERA and a 24.54 strikeout percentage in 52 1/3 more frames over the rest of the year.