Angel Guzman Rehab Continues at Fitch Park
The EXST Cubs had a road game this morning, but Angel Guzman (September 2007 Tommy John surgery) and ex-catcher Jake Muyco (recently converted to pitcher) remained at Fitch Park, throwing "live" BP on Field #2 to three of the position players who did not make the trip (Bryan Jost, George Matheus, and Josh Vitters).
Guzman threw a two-inning "simulated" game last Friday (30 pitches, 15 each inning), so today was his next scheduled day to throw.
He was supposed to throw a pre-planned 15 pitches today, but he actually threw 16 (nine for balls and seven for strikes). Once again he had good velocity on his fastball, but had some trouble throwing it for strikes (which is fairly typical for pitchers coming back from TJS). Guzman's curve and change-up were sharp, however, and he threw all of his pitches with an effortless free & easy motion.
So having thrown a two-inning "simulated" game last Friday and a "live" BP session today, it's likely that (barring a medical setback) Guzman will probably get into his first EXST game on Wednesday or Thursday.
Ex-catcher Muyco threw 20 pitches today (12 fastballs, five sliders, and three change-ups), and basically had the exact opposite result as Guzman. While he could throw his fastball for strikes, Muyco had trouble controlling his breaking ball and change-up. And that's fairly typical for a position player converting to pitcher.
In addition to Guzman and Muyco throwing "live" BP, injured 2007 1st round draft pick 3B Josh Vitters (sent back to EXST from Peoria last week after suffering with tendinitis in his hand) took an extensive BP session this morning, hitting against coaches both before and after he hit against the "live" BP offerngs of Guzman and Muyco. Vitters didn't appear to be having any physical problem swinging the bat, although the results today weren't particularly good.
Vitters also took about 30 infield grounders at 3rd base, so if his hand is not too sore, he should be ready for EXST game action very soon, perhaps as early as tomorrow.
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