Raphael Betancourt and Joe Smith, relief pitchers for the Indians, are on the disabled list. When they are ready to pitch why do they need a rehab assignment in the minor leagues?
Since their outings from the bullpen are usually a few innings or less, why can’t they just throw in the bullpen for the Indians, then pitch a simulated game, and be ready to pitch quickly?
Smith has already pitched one inning for the Columbus Clippers. If he throws in the bullpen before the Indians games and then pitches a simulated game with live batters, he could be ready.
I can understand a rehab assignment for batting and fielding for players who have been out of action awhile, but why don’t starting pitchers just work out of the bullpen and build up their strength and help until they are ready to start?
Rehab assignments are a relatively new phenomenon. In the past, players came back and immediately played for the major league team and not in the minor leagues.
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