In judging the success of Kerry Wood’s second spring start, don’t look at his final pitching line.
The 22-year-old right-hander yielded three runs on five hits, walked two and had no strikeouts in two innings of work against Milwaukee Class AAA affiliate Indianapolis on Friday at Fitch Park. According to Wood and General Manager Ed Lynch, those results don’t matter.
At this point of Wood’s rehab for the tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, it’s all about arm strength and mechanics.
“Today was a work day. That’s really how I look at it,” Wood said. “I have to make sure my arm slot’s in the right position. I need to make sure I’m not jumping out and rushing.
“I would have loved to have more command of my fastball. The results really were secondary. My arm felt good, and the velocity was there. That’s the bottom line.”
Wood threw 30 pitches–25 fastballs and five changeups. He threw 15 in each inning, as dictated by his rehab program, and threw 15 balls and seven strikes, swinging.
Both innings ended with runners on base and only two outs, something allowed in minor-league games but that couldn’t have happened in major-league spring training at HoHoKam Park. That’s why Lynch wanted Wood to throw at Fitch.
“If he were down the street, he could have 30 pitches in one inning. That would be contrary to his program,” Lynch explained. “He also could have thrown four pitches in the first, 12 in the second and would have been done with just 16 pitches.”
Wood’s fastball was consistently in the 94-96 m.p.h. range. Those were the numbers that caught Lynch’s eye.
“Runs and hits are irrelevant to velocity and mechanics and how he feels physically,” Lynch said. “I call today a complete success from my perspective.”
Lynch again pointed to the short term for Wood’s future goals. If Wood feels good Saturday, they will think about having him throw on the side Monday. If that goes well, then they will get him into another minor-league spring training game.
There was no talk of adding sliders or curves, aside from Wood casually mentioning he wasn’t quite at that point. Lynch said they would increase Wood’s pitch count in his next outing.
“If he says he feels good, we will assume the arm is OK and move on,” Lynch said. “The program is on paper, and it’s a fluid process. If he’s stiff, we back him up one day. We want to maintain the flexibility within the program.”
More than 200 fans watched Wood throw Friday, not to mention numerous Cubs minor-leaguers who weren’t even involved in the game.
“We are to the point where my arm is all right,” Wood said.
“I’m not worried about it before I pitch or the day after. I’m trying to get ready for the season, get my pitches together.”
