Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Orioles announced on Monday that they have acquired left-handed pitcher Rich Hill from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a player to be named later.
Hill had a career year in 2007, notching an 11-8 record in 32 starts with a 3.92 earned run average and 183 strikeouts. However, he was slowed last season by a back injury and spent most of the year in the minor leagues. The 28-year- old made five starts with Chicago in 2008, going 1-0 with a 4.12 ERA. He fanned 15 batters over 19 2/3 innings but also walked 18.
A fourth-round draft pick in 2002, Hill went 18-17 with a 4.37 ERA in 64 games with the Cubs, 57 of those starts.
The departure of Hill to Baltimore likely leaves the Cubs' fifth rotation spot to either 26-year-old lefty Sean Marshall or the recently-acquired Aaron Heilman, a 30-year-old right-hander who has spent the majority of the last four seasons as a reliever for the New York Mets.
Meanwhile, Hill should be able to immediately challenge for a spot in Baltimore's rotation.
To make room for Hill on the 40-man roster, Baltimore designated left-handed pitcher Brian Burres for assignment. Burres went 7-10 with a 6.04 ERA in 31 games (22 starts) with the Orioles a season ago. The 27-year-old is 13-18 with a 5.88 ERA in 79 games (39) starts over three seasons with Baltimore.
This marked the second trade between the Cubs and Orioles this offseason. In January, the Orioles acquired outfielder Felix Pie from Chicago in exchange for pitchers Garrett Olson and Henry Williamson. The Cubs then dealt Olson to Seattle for Heilman, who was initially part of a three-team deal between the Mets, Mariners and Indians in December.
