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Reed's spring had been severely delayed, with shoulder soreness hitting him before he could even lace up his cleats, and keeping him sidelined for the first half of March. He said, "It hasn't gone the way I wanted it to go," but was still optimistic that he would be ready in time for Opening Day, despite the lack of in-game action. "I think everything is feeling well. I wouldn't say I'm behind anybody, I'd say I'm right there where I need to be. I don't think I'm behind at all."
Reed had gradually worked his way back, throwing a bullpen session on Friday, and this morning, faced the Cubs in a B-game which also saw Vidal Nuño, Randall Delgado, Addison Reed, Matt Reynolds and Evan Marshall take the mound. Here's what the reports were:
Addison Reed pitched in this morning's B game, striking out 1 in a scoreless inning of work. #DbacksSpring pic.twitter.com/bDTnUj0W9P
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 24, 2015
Addison Reed's line from today's B game: 1 IP, 1 K, 1 HBP. He was mostly 88-89 mph, touched 90.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) March 24, 2015
#Dbacks Reed had 13 pitches, 9 strikes, in scoreless IP vs Cubs in B game. Hit one, left runner on third with strikeout. First spring outing
— Jack Magruder (@JackMagruder) March 24, 2015
The velocity is a little low, considering his average fast-ball last season was 92.4 mph, but it's understandable that it may take a while for that to reach 100% again. Hopefully it's something he can build on, going forward: with less than two weeks left before Opening Day, he will probably look to squeeze in another four or five outings between now and then. It's just aout possible, although seems to leave no wiggle-room for any setbacks, much as is the case with fellow reliever, Brad Ziegler.