Percival's first BP session goes really well; set for Mar 12 debut
Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey said he was surprised how well RHP Troy Percival threw Wednesday in his first live batting practice session since offseason back surgery.
Percival threw 30 pitches in the 10-minute session, and Hickey said the veteran closer threw all of his pitches well. Hickey said Percival is right on track to make his first spring appearance Mar 12, and pointed out he may have as many as eight or nine spring outings, nearly as much as some of his healthy pitchers.
“I was a little bit surprised how well the threw," Hickey said. "For his first batting practice, he was more advanced than he even needs to be."
Hickey mentioned he thought Percival looked "a lot better" than at the end of last year, when Percival's back issues ended up forcing him to be left off the postseason roster. Percival also went through a "pseudo" version of PFPs, where he simulated fielding balls and covering bases.
"He looked today like he looked prior to all the little nagging injuries and things that he had," Hickey said.
-- JOE SMITH
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and James Shields, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
If you want a hot dog, get to the ballpark early on the 12th.
Posted by: shuturyap | March 06, 2009 at 12:54 PM
this guy needs to pull a dioner navarro and rediscover his inner athlete....pilates and cardio may not feel manly, troy, but they'll keep you on the mound (and runners off the bases) without half your body fighting you on every pitch
Posted by: skp | March 05, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Hey Joe,
Can you tell if Percival has lost any weight?
Posted by: TriplePlay | March 05, 2009 at 08:22 AM