Cleveland Guardians left-hander John Means recently took a sizable step toward being ready for a return.
He tossed two innings at the team’s spring training complex in Arizona.
In a very encouraging development, it was revealed that Means used all his pitches after that.
“Threw 18-pitch bullpen session with his full arsenal on Aug. 13. Followed two-inning start in ‘bridge’ game on Aug. 9 at Guardians’ complex in Arizona,” according to their latest injury report.
For a pitcher rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, using all his pitches is a significant step in the right direction.
Certain pitches, such as sliders, for example, are more demanding on the elbow.
Means, however, is already using his full repertoire, and that’s excellent news for the Guardians.
The talented southpaw throws a four-seamer, a changeup, a slider and a knuckle curve.
The changeup is his signature pitch, the one that helps him earn swings and misses.
Means could be well worth the wait for the Guardians and have a similar impact to that of Matthew Boyd last year.
He has a 3.68 ERA in seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, and it’s fun to think about what the Guardians’ pitching lab can do with him.
He will probably need two or three rehab starts, but Means has the potential to be a helpful rotation piece for Cleveland.
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