Rays' Cobb throws live bullpen for 1st time since 2014
Alex Cobb hasn't been on a big-league mound since his last start on Sept. 28, 2014 - until Saturday.
The Tampa Bay Rays starter faced live hitters at Tropicana Field for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2015. He threw a 35-pitch bullpen, and then live to Tim Beckham and Brandon Guyer. Although he only threw them fastballs, it was a start.
"I'm very happy with how my arm felt,'' Cobb told the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin. "I'll be interested to see what the velocity was but I'm absolutely excited about the command of my fastball today, and my curveball and off-speed (pitches) before live hitters got in there.''
Cobb admits he needed to build up some endurance, as fatigue began setting in a lot quicker than he was used to.
Barring any setbacks and if he sticks to his current program, Cobb's goal is to return to the Rays' rotation by late July or early August.
"Definitely got tired. That's why we do 'em. That's why it takes so long," he said. "That's why I probably won't be pitching for a while still, because I still have to build up endurance, but I'm very happy with how my body felt overall compared to times in the past when I've been building up.''
Over his four-year career, Cobb owns a 3.21 ERA in 498 2/3 innings, while striking out 426 batters.
Rays starters currently own a 4.00 ERA entering the weekend, while sitting 5 1/2 games back of the American League East-leading Baltimore Orioles.