Faced live batters for the first time since July 2014 (shoulder, surgery in Jan. 2015).
Up until a week ago, he was still in so much pain, he had pretty much quit throwing bullpens. Velo was in mid 70s (note, he was at 98 last season). Goofing around, he decided to throw side arm since over the top was killing him...grad asst. said, that looks pretty good, let's throw a bullpen. Well, now we are a side-armer...no pain, everything was in the zone and velo was right around 90. They made him live for the weekend.
So, back to the outing...three batters faced (all he was scheduled to see)...one ground ball through the 6 hole. Second batter ground out. Third batter, took him to 3-2...batter fouled off several before finally drawing a walk. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it is a victory. And reinventing himself could possible, put him where he needs to be. He was very positive about the weekend and feels good about his new delivery.
Good luck to your son. Sounds like he's gained a ton of confidence with this new opportunity he has come to find. Shoulder surgery for pitchers is quite un-nerving not knowing what lies ahead. Wish him well.