Closer Addison Reed close to game action, shooting for Opening Day
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Closer Addison Reed is getting closer.
Reed threw a bullpen session on Tuesday morning, is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Friday and is to make his first appearance in a spring game next Tuesday on the minor-league side.
Reed, who suffered right shoulder soreness during pre-camp throwing, has adopted a new/old delivery on the way back. He has always thrown across his body, but he has modified that somewhat, returning to the delivery he used in college and in his first several pro seasons.
"I think everybody is making a bigger deal out of that than it really is," Reed said. "I'm just working on my stride, not stepping so far across my body. It feels great. It makes sense.
"It is going to make the glove-side fastball down and away to righties a lot easier for me to hit, rather than stepping across my body and trying to sling it over there. Stepping toward home place more is easier on your body, not only just your shoulder, but it makes everything more fluid, makes everything more in sync."
Reed believes the schedule is compatible for his return by opening day.
"I'll get five games in and be ready to go," he said.
Pitching coach Mike Harkey believes it, too, after his experience with New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. Harkey was the Yankees' bullpen coach from 2008-13.
"He was five to seven appearances each spring," Harkey said. "We didn't start throwing him until the 20th of March. I never really worried about my closer, who already should be established in the league with his ability to be able to throw strikes and command the zone, that he needs that many innings."
Left-hander Oliver Perez, who was signed with the D-backs on March 10 last year, made only five spring training appearances and still broke camp with the team.
"Veteran guys know their bodies. They know what it takes for them to get ready," Harkey said.
"But by no means will (Reed) be rushed."
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