Red Sox recall Rich Hill from Pawtucket, demote Justin Thomas

Hill is coming off Tommy John surgery.

AP fileBoston Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill, right, is assisted by Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia as he leaves a game last season with a forearm injury.

Help is on the way for the underperforming Boston Red Sox bullpen.

The Sox have recalled Rich Hill from Pawtucket Red Sox and demoted Justin Thomas.

Hill, a lefty reliever, was off to an impressive start with Boston in 2011 when he suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. In nine innings this season at Pawtucket, Greenville and Salem, Hill struck out 18 while walking only two with an ERA of 2.00.

Thomas, meanwhile, had struggled out of the bullpen. In 4 2/3 innings, he allowed four runs and 12 baserunners.