San Diego Padres’ Robbie Erlin raring to move forward - MLB News
Robbie Erlin is most certainly holding a spot in the future plans of the San Diego Padres. The 22-year-old who was acquired in a trade from Texas Rangers in 2011 has recovered well from the tendonitis, much to the joy of the Padres’ management.
San Diego Padres has recently released two opening pitchers, Tim Stauffer and Dustin Moseley. Stauffer was on the disabled list pretty much throughout the season courtesy of an injury picked during Spring Training. He only managed to start one game prior
to moving back to the disabled list for the remainder of the season. Moseley’s season was not any rosier. He picked up a shoulder injury in early April which required surgery and his season was over at that point.
Stauffer did not see the event as a shocker. "This wasn’t a surprise," said Stauffer. "Dustin and I both knew what was going to happen. I know the business."
Erlin, on the other hand, has full recovered. He is currently pitching in the Arizona Fall League. The pitcher is pleased to be fully fit again. Erlin also found new confidence with his fastball improving over time and causing all sorts of trouble to the
batters.
"When I had a slow tempo, hitters had a lot more time to get comfortable in the box; they had so much time to sit there and get their timing down," Erlin said. "When I was faster, my fastball is a little more deceptive and it could make them jump more at
my off speed pitches."
The left-handed pitcher had originally been injured during Spring Training. He later recovered and started pitching for Double-A San Antonio in April and made seven starts. Later, he started having elbow trouble and was rested for most of the lateral part
of the season. He made a few appearances as a part of the rehabilitation process in the Padres’ Arizona League team.
The pitcher was disappointed at being injured and missing out on precious time in the field. He said it was his first time being injured and it was a grind mentally to cope up with it. Erlin also cited the role of his as a crucial one, who helped him along
the way and once he returned to the mound, he picked it up from where he had left off.
Padres’ Vice President of player development Randy Smith was pleased with his recovery. He said that Robbie looked good at the end of the regular season and during the Fall League, after making his recovery. He was confident that the young pitcher has gained
complete health and his concerns are now an issue of the past.
Youngster such as Robbie Erlin will be critical for the Padres to get back into their groove and start competing hard in the Major League Baseball. Their fans are hopeful and waiting for their team to do just that.
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