A few weeks after tearing a knee ligament in a freak injury, Coastal pitcher Keith Hessler is ready to return to the mound.
Hessler has been fully cleared to pitch in games, he said Thursday, when he was scheduled to throw live off the mound. He tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he fell during the Chanticleers' batting practice pickup (if you've never seen them do it, I suggest arriving about an hour before a home game to see the theatrics) earlier this month.
"I dressed at UVA and was going to pitch if I had to," Hessler said. "I should be good to go this weekend. It's doing a lot better. I've been doing a lot of work to get it stronger.
"It took about a week to get used [to the brace]. I'm used to it now. Nothing has really changed mechanically. I'm hoping [it'll be a seamless transition back]. Two or three weeks off never really helps anybody, but I’m hoping that it’ll all come right back like I never left.”
Coastal pitching coach Drew Thomas believes Hessler’s return will be more impacted by how he responds mentally than physically.
“We just want to give him some piece of mind before we throw him out there in a game against a hitter,” Thomas said. “I think it’s just that little mental barrier of what’s going to happen the first time. Once he gets over that, I think he’ll be good to go. Pitching is just pitching again.”
Thomas is pleased to have another viable left-handed option out of the bullpen. There is only one midweek game left -- Hessler could return to his normal role and be the starter against the College of Charleston next month -- but he figures to play a major role as a reliever in the postseason.
“It’s beautiful,” Thomas said. “Those guys Matt Laney and Matt Rein have been unbelievable. With Keith back that just gives us more options.”
Hessler has been fully cleared to pitch in games, he said Thursday, when he was scheduled to throw live off the mound. He tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he fell during the Chanticleers' batting practice pickup (if you've never seen them do it, I suggest arriving about an hour before a home game to see the theatrics) earlier this month.
"I dressed at UVA and was going to pitch if I had to," Hessler said. "I should be good to go this weekend. It's doing a lot better. I've been doing a lot of work to get it stronger.
"It took about a week to get used [to the brace]. I'm used to it now. Nothing has really changed mechanically. I'm hoping [it'll be a seamless transition back]. Two or three weeks off never really helps anybody, but I’m hoping that it’ll all come right back like I never left.”
Coastal pitching coach Drew Thomas believes Hessler’s return will be more impacted by how he responds mentally than physically.
“We just want to give him some piece of mind before we throw him out there in a game against a hitter,” Thomas said. “I think it’s just that little mental barrier of what’s going to happen the first time. Once he gets over that, I think he’ll be good to go. Pitching is just pitching again.”
Thomas is pleased to have another viable left-handed option out of the bullpen. There is only one midweek game left -- Hessler could return to his normal role and be the starter against the College of Charleston next month -- but he figures to play a major role as a reliever in the postseason.
“It’s beautiful,” Thomas said. “Those guys Matt Laney and Matt Rein have been unbelievable. With Keith back that just gives us more options.”
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