It's hard to stay positive while rehabbing an injury. Ask Giants pitcher Tyler Beede how he's feeling right now, though, and it's clear he couldn't be happier.
"I actually just finished my eight-week throwing program," Beede said Thursday on MLB Network radio. "I now have a month off, which I think is good for me mentally. And obviously let the body continue to heal."
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SIGN UP HERE Beede, 27, underwent Tommy John surgery on March 20. He looked electric in spring training, showcasing a fastball in the upper 90s and a nasty breaking ball. But he went down to the elbow injury and missed the entire 2020 season.
Since Beede's rehab began, he has hit every milestone necessary to make a successful recovery. He said his first eight weeks of his throwing program "went tremendously well." The next step is gearing up for January and building up for bullpens. The real question is, when does he expect to be back on a mound for the Giants?
"I'm not rushing it, I'm not gonna be back Opening Day. Hopefully come May I'll be ready to be back in the mix and contribute to the team," Beede said. "That's my goal, but I've learned throughout this process everybody's body adapts differently, everybody's arm adapts differently. Just continue listening to my body, not rushing anything.
"That's what I'm shooting for, that's what I believe the team's shooting for as well. Let's hope that we can get to that point and get me back out there with the boys."
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The Giants will have veterans Johnny Cueto and Kevin Gausman at the top of their rotation next season. They likely also will sign a free agent or two this offseason. Beede's return will be incredibly important, too.
Beede has to prove just what exactly he can bring to the Giants in the future. The right-hander turns 28 years old in late May and has 5.27 career ERA in the big leagues. While the stuff is there, the Giants still are waiting for the kind of production they believe they can get out of Beede.
So far, so good in his rehab. May can't come soon enough for both Beede and the Giants.