Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill tried a gross tactic to heal his blisters

Los Angeles Dodgers lefthander Rich Hill has been plagued throughout the season by a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand. With the team in the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals, he is trying anything -- and we mean anything -- to toughen up the skin so he can pitch.

Hill was acquired from the Oakland Athletics on Aug. 1 but did not pitch for more than three weeks because of the blister, which first appeared in early July.

The tender finger played a role in Hill being removed from a game in September when he had a perfect game through seven innings.

Manager Dave Roberts had to pull Hill because the training staff noticed signs of the blister returning. He went a combined 12-5 this season in 110 innings.

This is not the first time a pitcher has tried an unusual remedy to help blisters on a pitching hand.

When Nolan Ryan was a New York Met early in his career, the right-hander would soak his fingers in pickle brine.