Luke Hochevar returns to Cactus League action, but Royals still cautious with his usage
Luke Hochevar waited 374 days for Thursday afternoon. In the interim he underwent a reconstruction of his right elbow. He watched the Royals soar into the World Series without him. He re-signed with the club as a free agent to contribute to their return to October.
On Thursday he pitched in a game for the first time since Tommy John surgery last March. Hochevar spun a scoreless frame in a 10-5 victory over Cleveland. He produced a pair of groundouts, worked around a two-out walk and froze Michael Bourn with a fastball to end the inning.
“It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” Hochevar said.
The Royals intend for Hochevar to play a significant role in their bullpen this season. But he may not break camp with the club. Opening Day dawns in 25 days, and Hochevar remains well behind his counterparts in terms of his readiness.
Forget the concept of pitching in back-to-back games. Hochevar has still yet to conduct a throwing session after just one day of rest. He received two days in between outings early in camp. Manager Ned Yost suggested Hochevar would receive three or four days off after his Thursday appearance.
“We’re going to progress him up slowly,” Yost said. “It’s his first time to be on a mound in a year. So we’re not going to start [giving him] one day off.”
The health of Hochevar plays a critical role in the configuration of the team’s bullpen. Yost has said he is willing to take eight relievers, one more than the usual amount, in order to protect Hochevar during the beginning of the season. He is signed to a two-year contract, so his value to the club extends beyond the immediate future.
Hochevar felt pleased to return to the mound on Thursday. He operated without restrictions. He possessed command of his fastball, but lacked sharpness with his offspeed pitches. In time, he figures, that will improve.
“I stepped on the gas pretty good,” Hochevar said. “I had no apprehensions about anything. I didn’t feel anything in my elbow that would cause you to step back. It felt good. So I applied as much gas as I felt necessary.”
To reach Andy McCullough, call 816-234-4370 or send email to rmccullough@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @McCulloughStar.
This story was originally published March 12, 2015 at 7:16 PM with the headline "Luke Hochevar returns to Cactus League action, but Royals still cautious with his usage."