Rich Hill's return to the majors proved challenging as he faced the Chicago Cubs, yielding 6 hits and 3 runs over 5 innings. The 45-year-old left-hander struggled, especially in the second inning, allowing two unearned runs due to defensive errors by his teammates. Despite his efforts, including striking out one batter, the Royals' defense failed to support him adequately. The Cubs capitalized on Hill's struggles, stealing four bases and securing a decisive 6-0 victory. This outing marked Hill's first appearance in the big leagues since last September.

Manager Matt Quatraro praised Hill's competitiveness on the mound despite the lackluster support behind him, suggesting that Hill's performance could have led to a better outcome with tighter defense. Hill's career in the majors is now in its 21st season, playing for his 14th team, matching the record for the most franchises played for in MLB history. His experience includes notable postseason performances with the Los Angeles Dodgers, solidifying his legacy as a veteran player.