The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Carrasco sharp again in Akron outing
AKRON >> Carlos Carrasco spent more than two months away from baseball as he began dealing with chronic myeloid leukemia.
At Double-A Akron, he’s simply happy to be back on a mound. Carrasco’s second rehab appearance with the RubberDucks indicates he may be on track to pitch at Progressive Field again soon.
The 32-year-old righthander threw 25 pitches over 1 2/3 innings against the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Aug. 22. Carrasco threw 17 pitches for strikes, struck out four hitters and worked through each pitch in his repertoire.
“I’m trying to get my body ready to go in the big leagues and that’s what we’re doing right now,” Carrasco said. “Everything that I did these two games right here, that’s what I’m looking for. Be in control, throw all my pitches and get up for the big leagues.”
Carrasco’s fastball peaked at 95 mph and sat mostly at 94. He missed bats for all four of his strikeouts as he demonstrated sharp command of his changeup, slider and curveball.
The Dominican Republic native took the mound to an ovation then struck out the first two batters he faced amid cheers of “We love you Cookie!” Carrasco induced a flyout to center to end a clean fifth. Richmond’s Ryan Howard reached base on a fielding error by shortstop Ernie Clement to open the sixth. Carrasco notched two more strikeouts before manager Rouglas Odor retrieved him although five pitches remained on his predetermined 30-pitch limit.
“I wanted to finish but that’s not my decision,” Carrasco said. “They took me out and I said, ‘that’s great.’ I’m able to pitch and feel great, I think that’s more important.”
Carrasco’s ability to miss bats represents an encouraging step in his rehab. Carrasco’s hard-hit rate — among other peripherals markedly off his career norms — ranked in the bottom one percent of the majors as he scuffled to a 4-6 record with a 4.98 ERA over 12 starts.
The next step in Carrasco’s rehab process remains unknown. If the Indians plan to include the righthander on a potential playoff roster, he must return to the big-league club before September.
Until then, Carrasco anticipates continued improvement.
“Everything feels great,” Carrasco said. “I feel great, happy, the same guy that I’ve been before. I’m glad to get the opportunity to pitch again.”