NewsWagner throws first bullpen session
Southpaw working his way back after elbow surgery
By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com
04/15/09 10:33 AM ET
Billy Wagner isn't expected back until late summer at the earliest. But a quick bullpen session at the Mets' Spring Training home in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Tuesday at least provided a positive step forward.Wagner threw off a mound for what was believed to be the first time since Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery on Sept. 10, according to The Associated Press. The 37-year-old, AP is reporting, threw 10 pitches off flat ground, then tossed a 23-pitch bullpen session, which Minor League catcher Juan Centeno said consisted of only fastballs and changeups -- adding that his placement was "OK" -- and took part in some fielding practice.
The bullpen session was closed off to the media, and Wagner did not speak to reporters.
"I haven't seen him since the end of last season, so it's good to see him, and he is in tremendous shape," said Mets rehab coordinator Guy Conti, Wagner's bullpen coach last season. "My job is to observe and see how he looks and see how he feels, and basically, he looks good. He's really in good shape."
Wagner wasn't with the Mets for Spring Training, but followed a program by Chris Correnti, a Minor League pitching rehabilitation trainer, until the Mets told him to stop throwing in mid-March because they were concerned he was trying to do too much too soon.
Wagner owns a 2.40 ERA and 385 saves in his 14-year Major League career. Last season with the Mets, he appeared in 45 games, posting a 2.30 ERA and notching 27 saves in 34 chances before being shut down in early August with a left forearm injury.
Wagner is scheduled to make $10.5 million in 2009 while in the last year of a four-year, $43 million deal he signed in November 2005. The Mets have a club option for '10.
Wagner's injury made New York active in search of bullpen candidates this offseason, as it acquired Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz for the back end.
Conti said Wagner's legs and body core looked strong, but he did not elaborate on his arm strength, and said the southpaw's next step will be determined after they find out how his body responds to the bullpen session.
"I think he was excited to be out there," Conti said. "He is happy to put the uniform on again, but he is a real tough competitor guy, and we want to see where he is at."
Alden Gonzalez is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
