Jonathan Pettibone set to face live hitters Tuesday
Jonathan Pettibone is scheduled to pitch live batting practice Tuesday, the first time he will face live hitters since undergoing June shoulder surgery.
CLEARWATER, Fla. --- Jonathan Pettibone won't get into a game before the Phillies break camp Thursday but he will see tangible progress before his teammates head north. The 24-year-old righthander is scheduled to pitch live batting practice Tuesday, the first time he will face live hitters since undergoing June shoulder surgery.
Pettibone, who will stay behind in Clearwater to pitch in extended spring training, has thrown about 10 bullpen sessions this spring. The last couple sessions were of the up-and-down variety to simulate multiple innings. Pitching to live hitters is the next step.
It's likely Pettibone will pitch live batting practice at least two or three times before entering an extended spring training game. Once he builds up enough arm strength, he could slot back into the triple-A Lehigh Valley rotation with a chance to work his way back to the big leagues at some point in the season.