Feldman takes another step forward in rehab work
On Saturday, Houston Astros right-hander Scott Feldman took another step toward coming back from recent medial meniscus surgery on his right knee.
He threw a bullpen session at Minute Maid Park with manager A.J. Hinch looking on, and afterwards the skipper described it as a good sign for Feldman's progress. As Hinch told David Barron of the Houston Chronicle, "He was throwing at a little less than 100 percent, but to get down the hill with a little more competitiveness, facing a couple of hitters, was good. He’s starting to get agitated when he doesn’t make his pitches, which means he’s closer to being back to form. He’s a perfectionist out there.”
There isn't a timetable for his return yet, though his work over the weekend definitely indicates that he's moving closer to being able to return sometime relatively soon. Said Hinch: “I’ve never had a timetable on how he’s progressing. He hasn’t had any setbacks or any problems. We’ve got to nurse it along and continue to take steps forward, and if that happens, he’ll be back when he’s ready.”
With Houston said to be in the market for starting pitching help, the return of Feldman to the starting staff could be an additional plus for the club, assuming he's able to do so prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.