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While all MLB teams would hope to avoid rehab appearances altogether for their big-league talent, it's inevitable that injuries will happen and thus rehabbing is necessary. In most cases rehabbing players are sent to the nearest minor league affiliate for a few tune-ups before they rejoin the team, but in some cases it can take more than one or two stops in the minor leagues for players to feel game-ready.
There’s no denying the benefits that these appearances present for minor league teams that get the opportunity to showcase household MLB names playing in their stadiums. But there’s also no denying that the time spent in the minor leagues by MLB players is just as valuable to the minor leaguers as it is to the rehabbing player. Getting the chance to meet and watch a guy who is living the dream of all 25 guys in the clubhouse is nothing short of exciting and informative for all involved.
This past weekend we hosted Twins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco for a rehab start after his brief stint on the disabled list. For a few of us that played here last year, it was the second time meeting and seeing Nolasco throw for the Kernels, as he joined Joe Mauer last August for a week in Cedar Rapids. Both Nolasco and Mauer during their time with our team provided insight to what the major league lifestyle is really like.
Watching the preparation of Nolasco before a start or his mental approach to minor league hitters can really help guys understand the importance of the little things we do every day. For our catchers, working with Nolasco before the game on his plan for the lineup and the pitches he wants to execute in certain situations allows for a better understanding of the game and the similarities between a big leaguer's pitching mentality and ours.
In his latest start with us, Nolasco threw five innings and provided us all with a visual of how close—or how far—we are from making it. Without a dominant fastball, Nolasco has always had to rely on strong off-speed pitches and movement to get hitters out, and Sunday’s start was no different. He effectively threw four pitches in the strike zone whenever he wanted, nearly splitting the percentage of fastballs to off-speed pitches 50-50.
While minor league pitchers can only dream of being able to locate four distinct pitches in any given outing, it was important for us to see the importance Nolasco placed on his pitch selection and location. I read a quote later in the day from Nolasco saying that the curveball was the most important pitch for him in terms of gauging his readiness for MLB hitters. Having had a good one that day, Nolasco assured reporters that he was healthy and ready to rejoin the team.
Even though his, and most rehab stints by MLB players are short, they give minor leagues a boost in excitement during a long season and a glimpse at what we are all working for. Plus, that generous post-game spread was quite enjoyable.
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