tk13
08-31-2004, 03:15 AM
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/9540406.htm
Hernandez to give elbow a test
Pitcher will throw in pre-game session
By BOB DUTTON The Kansas City Star
Royals right-hander Runelvys Hernandez returns to the mound today at Kauffman Stadium for the first time in more than a year.
OK, it will only be a bullpen mound for a 35-pitch pre-game workout — but that still represents a major step in his recovery from reconstructive elbow surgery.
The Royals brought Hernandez, their former staff ace, to Kansas City for a two-day workout to gauge his recovery. He threw long toss Monday in the outfield.
“Everything is going great,” said Hernandez, who blazed to a 4-0 start last season and led the American League in earned-run average when his elbow began acting up in mid-May.
Hernandez, 26, underwent Tommy John surgery last September and began his throwing program in February. His rehabilitation program continued throughout the summer at the Royals' complex in Surprise, Ariz.
If all goes well, Hernandez should be pitching this fall in the Instructional League and be ready to reclaim his starting spot in spring training.
“His work ethic is the thing that has really stood out,” general manager Allard Baird said. “His spirits are up. It's tough down there for those guys at this time of the year. But his approach has been good. Very positive.”
Hernandez is scheduled to return Wednesday to Arizona to continue his rehab program.
“You can tell by looking at his body,” trainer Nick Swartz said, “that even without pitching competitively that he's been able to work on his leg strength, his cardio and things of that sort.
“That was a big part of what we talked to him about last September after surgery, that for a healthy return, the rest of his body had to be healthy. That he had to make a commitment to his body and stay with it.”
The Royals plan to record today's workout on videotape.
“A big part right now is having (pitching coach) Mike Mason be able to look at his mechanics now,” Swartz said. “When Runelvys first started throwing, (Mason) was the minor-league coordinator in Arizona. So he got the chance to see him then. We've seen a couple of live tapes of some live BP throwing. So we're able to chart where he is.
“He has met every step that has been put in front of him from a throwing standpoint — long toss and mound work in preparation to go into (batting practice). Things of that sort. He's done well to this point.”
Hernandez to give elbow a test
Pitcher will throw in pre-game session
By BOB DUTTON The Kansas City Star
Royals right-hander Runelvys Hernandez returns to the mound today at Kauffman Stadium for the first time in more than a year.
OK, it will only be a bullpen mound for a 35-pitch pre-game workout — but that still represents a major step in his recovery from reconstructive elbow surgery.
The Royals brought Hernandez, their former staff ace, to Kansas City for a two-day workout to gauge his recovery. He threw long toss Monday in the outfield.
“Everything is going great,” said Hernandez, who blazed to a 4-0 start last season and led the American League in earned-run average when his elbow began acting up in mid-May.
Hernandez, 26, underwent Tommy John surgery last September and began his throwing program in February. His rehabilitation program continued throughout the summer at the Royals' complex in Surprise, Ariz.
If all goes well, Hernandez should be pitching this fall in the Instructional League and be ready to reclaim his starting spot in spring training.
“His work ethic is the thing that has really stood out,” general manager Allard Baird said. “His spirits are up. It's tough down there for those guys at this time of the year. But his approach has been good. Very positive.”
Hernandez is scheduled to return Wednesday to Arizona to continue his rehab program.
“You can tell by looking at his body,” trainer Nick Swartz said, “that even without pitching competitively that he's been able to work on his leg strength, his cardio and things of that sort.
“That was a big part of what we talked to him about last September after surgery, that for a healthy return, the rest of his body had to be healthy. That he had to make a commitment to his body and stay with it.”
The Royals plan to record today's workout on videotape.
“A big part right now is having (pitching coach) Mike Mason be able to look at his mechanics now,” Swartz said. “When Runelvys first started throwing, (Mason) was the minor-league coordinator in Arizona. So he got the chance to see him then. We've seen a couple of live tapes of some live BP throwing. So we're able to chart where he is.
“He has met every step that has been put in front of him from a throwing standpoint — long toss and mound work in preparation to go into (batting practice). Things of that sort. He's done well to this point.”