Buchholz takes big step toward return
TUCSON — An elated Taylor Buchholz threw batting practice Friday for the first time since he underwent Tommy John surgery June 17. The Colorado Rockies reliever said the 25-pitch session included about six changeups, the rest fastballs.
“I’m very happy with it, “Buchholz said. “It went about as good as I can possibly imagine right now. I felt under control out there and was able to throw strikes. I felt normal, which is about all I can ask for going out there the first time.”
Buchholz said he would take two days off and again throw batting practice Monday, mixing in three or curveballs. He appreciated having “that little extra adrenaline” that isn’t felt in a bullpen session.
Ahead of Buchholz is a long stay in extended spring training. He hopes to begin a 30-day rehabilitation assignment about May 1, which, if all goes well, would put him on course to rejoin the Rockies around the start of June.
In other injury news, left-handed reliever Jimmy Gobble threw 20 pitches, all fastballs, in a bullpen session and said he felt no pain. Gobble strained his left groin and had to leave a game March 11. He said he will throw again in the bullpen Saturday, possibly mixing in other pitches.
Greg Reynolds will play light catch from 45 feet Saturday. It will be the first time he has thrown since March 1 when he was throwing batting practice and Jeff Kindel lined a ball that hit Reynolds above the right elbow.
Kindel, pitcher Chaz Roe and infielder Joe Scott all suffered broken noses in minor league camp in a two-day period. Roe was injured bunting when a ball ricocheted off his bat. Kindel at first base and Scott at second were hurt in the field when balls took bad hops and struck them.
Parker Frazier, who underwent Tommy John surgery Sept. 22, threw fastballs and changeups in a 35-pitch bullpen session Friday. Frazier, 21, whose father, George, is a Rockies broadcaster and former major league pitcher, went 10-7 with a 4.48 ERA last year for low Class A Asheville. “It feels intact,” said Frazier, who is expected to be ready to pitch before the minor league season ends.
Taylor B would be a huge plus for the bullpen, but the temptation to rush him back too early (especially with all of the dings in the ‘pen right now) must be overcome. T-buck will help us again, just let it happen!