Minnesota Twins pitcher Mike Pelfrey will not return for a late-season appearance as he continues his recovery from surgery.
According to the Pioneer Press, Pelfrey is targeting Sept. 3 for his first bullpen session, but won’t appear in a game for the Twins this season – not even in relief.
Pelfrey went on the disabled list in May with groin and elbow injuries. He underwent nerve decompression surgery in mid-June, ending any significant contribution Pelfrey would be able to make for the Twins this season.
“There’s no moving up with Lanning [Tucker],” Pelfrey told the Pioneer Press with a smile. “The goal is just to leave here healthy and have a normal offseason.”
Mike Pelfrey threw from 105 feet for 2nd straight day, but will definitely run out of time for a late-season outing: "No way in a game."
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) August 18, 2014
Pelfrey signed a two-year $11 million deal with the Twins prior to the start of the season. He was just 5-13 with the Twins in 2013, and was 0-3 with a 7.99 ERA in 23 innings this season before reporting the injury.
Pelfrey will repeat the 105-foot distance on Wednesday before pushing the distance up to 120 feet starting Saturday. He has to show that he can handle playing catch from 150 feet before he can climb aboard a bullpen mound for throwing sessions.
