The Montreal Expos' rookie pitcher was sent to double-A Harrisburg, hours after Baseball Canada named its team for next month's Athens Games.
Hill, 23, was part of the Canadian team which qualified for Athens last fall in Panama, pitching in three games and allowing seven runs over 10 2/3 innings.
The Mississauga, Ont., native was being considered for the Olympic team but was in the majors when the final decisions were being made, leaving him ineligible for the Games.
Shawn Hill was returned to double-A Harrisburg on Thursday, hours after Baseball Canada named its Olympic team. (AP Photo)
Only players in the minor leagues as of July 31 can play in the Olympics.
In a recent interview, Hill said he was hoping to stay in the majors but if he were to be demoted, he'd prefer it happen in time to get him on the Olympic team.
Greg Hamilton, Baseball Canada director of national teams, said he wouldn't make last-minute substitutions to the roster.
Hill beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4 on July 4 for his first career major league victory in what was likely the final all-Canadian game.
The right-hander was 1-2 with a 16.00 earned-run average in three starts for the Expos.
In related news, Montreal activated righty John Patterson from the 15-day disabled list and recalled infielder Henry Mateo from triple-A Edmonton.
Patterson has been out since April 28 with a right groin strain. He was 1-2 with a 3.57 ERA in four starts with the Expos after being acquired from Arizona for left-hander Randy Choate.
Mateo was batting .303 with 10 stolen bases in 30 games for Edmonton at the time of the promotion. He fractured his right hamate bone while playing for the Trappers on April 25.
with files from Canadian Press
