Giants’ Beede on comeback trail after health issues

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Not only did Tyler Beede have to contend with his Tommy John rehab this winter, but the Giants righthander also had a case of COVID19 in January that delayed his bullpen sessions three weeks.

“I tried to continue to get some work in the garage of the condos that I’m staying in, but it did push me back a little bit from my progression,” said Beede, who had common coldlike symptoms and had to quarantine for 12 days along with his wife, Allie DeBerry. “I’m kind of relieved I got it in a way, because I have antibodies now. I’m still being cautious but I’m glad I got it out of the way.”

Beede has thrown six bullpen sessions. He threw only fastballs at what was supposed to be at

50% intensity, but admits he was probably closer to 75%. He has about 10 more before he’ll throw live batting practice and he’s eyeing getting rehab starts in May at TripleA Sacramento. He’s on the 60day injured list, so he’d be unable to return to the Giants until late May or early June, anyway.

“I’m feeling good, man, I’m really happy with the way the ball is coming out,” he said. “The ball is coming out really well without a ton of effort. And I like the way I’ve been bouncing back; I feel great. There are days where I feel a little stiff, and the arm and the elbow are adapting to the new ligament and the stress that I’m putting on it, which is good; I’m happy about that.”

Beede was more limited in what he could do as he initially began playing catch last year because of baseball’s minorleague shutdown and the health protocols in place. But he had a reliable catch partner: his dad, Walter.

“Getting to throw with my pops and having those moments, I hadn’t had a summer like that in a long time, almost 10 years; that was cool,” said Beede, who is from Massachusetts. “It was a blessing to just be home with some family to play catch with my dad, even though it was 7072 miles an hour.He was laughing at me, like it was old times.”

Beede said he is rehabbing as a starter, though the team has not discussed his role with him.

“I will be available, in my mind at least, to be ready to go 75100 pitches, and build up my innings throughout the season,” he said. “For me, it’s about setting a good foundation to build on for 2022. I don’t want to limit myself, obviously, but I need to listen to my body.”