“I’m feeling like my body is ready to make a big jump."
That is what Cole Hamels had to say after a successful flat ground throwing session in Clearwater. Hamels, set to take the next step to a bullpen mound on Tuesday, is recovering from shoulder tendonitis, a condition he picked up this offseason.
In late November, when the shoulder issues began, Hamels shut things down. Last week, he began lifting weights for the first time since then and the Phillies ace is feeling very good about his progress, making sure he doesn't rush himself and risk further injury.
“I’m building up for an entire season, for the marathon. In the past, I might have ramped it up. Having the experience I do, I’m trying not to overdo it.”
Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure was also encouraged by Hamels' throwing sessions, saying he looked "free and easy". In terms of how far behind schedule Cole is, McClure stated, "A week, ten days, 2 weeks".
“I feel right where I usually am about Feb. 1 going into spring training,” said Hamels. “That’s about the time I’m usually ready for my first ‘pen. I’m happy where I am.”
Pettibone throws after cortisone shot
After receiving a cortisone shot five days earlier, Jonathan Pettitbone began throwing off of flat ground again on Saturday. Although it is good news that the Phillies pitcher is back to throwing, seeing him pitch from a mound when he turns his stuff up will really be the time to judge.
“Hopefully I’ll be on a mound within a week,” he said. “I’m working my way back.”
Pettibone and pitching coach Bob McClure are looking at tape from 2013 to see if there is a way they can take some pressure of of his shoulder by using more of his lower half while pitching. That could take some pressure off of his arm and keep these kind of issues from happening often.
Brandon Apter is a contributor to Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock
