Those in or around Dodger Stadium early Friday afternoon heard an unusual but immediately recognizable sound; at least for those who have heard it before. It was the unmistakable grunt that 39-year-old Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill makes when he is pitching at maximum effort. But for as unusual and animalistic as it may sound, it was music to the ears to those who know and love Rich Hill. It means that the extremely popular Boston, Massachusetts native and 14-year MLB veteran is nearing his return to the Dodgers starting rotation after having begun the season on the Injured List for a strained left knee suffered during a spring training game on March 17.

“Great,” Hill answered, when asked how he felt after throwing a three-inning simulated game. “Ball came out really well. Didn’t feel anything. Went really well. Very good curveballs, very good fastballs. I was able to shape my breaking balls really well.”

Hill was wearing – and will undoubtedly continue to wear – a brace on his left knee when he pitches. Not even a week ago Hill told reporters that the brace really bothered him when he pitched. However, on Friday afternoon, he said that it didn’t bother him nearly as much.

“It’s just kind of there in extreme circumstances where there’s extreme stress,” he said.

Hill suffered the injury when he dropped down while throwing a sidearm curveball. During his recovery, he made an adjustment to his delivery by staying more upright. As a result – and as a surprise – he noticed a much sharper break in the pitch.

“It actually was even better. It forces me to throw the ball more correctly,” Hill explained. “The quality of it is much better, it works even better than before. Now when the ball gets to a certain point, it takes a right turn. Silver lining.”

If everything stays on track, the veteran left-hander will throw a bullpen session on Sunday and then head out on a rehab assignment on Wednesday or Thursday. Exactly where that rehab assignment will be has yet to be determined. And while many – perhaps even most – believe that it will either be with the Triple-A OKC Dodgers or the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, don’t be surprised if it is a little closer to home; say, like, Rancho Cucamonga with the Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Music to our ears indeed.

Play Ball.

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