Birds Sign Former Nationals Pitcher Taylor Hill
March 6, 2019 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
A former Major Leaguer will suit up for the Sioux Falls Canaries this year. Former Washington National Taylor Hill has signed with the Birds for the 2019 season, the team announced Wednesday.
Hill spent parts of the 2014 and 2015 seasons with the Nats, making nine total appearances. The 29- year-old right-hander brings a wealth of minor-league experience to the Birds, including six seasons in Triple-A.
"We're really excited to have Taylor's level of experience to help anchor the front of our rotation," Birds manager Mike Meyer said. "We're adding another really important piece."
The Nationals drafted Hill in the 6th round in 2011 out of Vanderbilt. Hill rose through the ranks in Washington's system, spending parts of five seasons at Triple-A Syracuse in addition to his major league appearances. Hill posted a career-low 2.81 ERA in 2014 while at Syracuse, earning him a call- up to The Show.
Hill spent last season in the San Francisco Giants organization. Pitching at Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento, he finished the year with a 6.16 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 76 innings of work.
"Having a guy that's pitched at the highest level, who's willing to put in work that he has to try to come back -- that to me is the type of guy that we want in Sioux Falls," Meyer said.
The move fortifies a Canaries rotation that is already becoming one of the strongest in the American Association. Hill joins the newly-aquired Keaton Steele, whom the birds picked up in a trade with Gary SouthShore a week ago.
Alex Boshers, Ryan Flores, and free-agent signee Chris Comito are also expected to suit up as starters for the Birds next season. And Meyer says more moves are on the way.
"I think we've done a great job the last couple of years of bringing in some of the most talented players in the league," Meyer said. "And that builds to the next season. I think that this is the year where we finally get over the hump."
The Sioux Falls Canaries open their 2018 season on May 16 on the road. Their home opener is scheduled for May 31, a Fireworks Night game against the Winnipeg Goldeyes at 7:05pm. For more information on season tickets, suites, group outings, and corporate opportunities, call the Canaries Front Office at (605) 336-6060, or visit the Canaries official website at www.sfcanaries.com.
American Association Stories from March 6, 2019
- T-Bones Acquire Infielder Reynolds - Kansas City Monarchs
- 2018 AA Player of the Year Returning to Sioux City - Sioux City Explorers
- Goldeyes Reunite with Canadian, Two-Time Champion - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Birds Sign Former Nationals Pitcher Taylor Hill - Sioux Falls Canaries
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