Corey Kluber hoping bullpen session proves he's healthy

Corey Kluber tossed one inning for the Texas Rangers during the pandemic-shortened season after experiencing a strain in the back of his throwing shoulder. The free agent is now set to participate in a throwing session in front of MLB teams in Florida on Wednesday. 

During a recent phone interview with ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Kluber admitted that he hopes his upcoming bullpen session will prove that he's healthy enough to pitch in 2021. 

"I don't have a mindset that I need to prove myself to anyone, so to speak," Kluber said. "I just need to show people that I'm healthy. I'm not putting pressure on myself to go out there and do X, Y and Z. It's just about showing teams I'm progressing through a normal offseason."

While Kluber only appeared in one game last season, he pitched just seven games for Cleveland in 2019 after fracturing his right arm and suffering an abdominal injury. Wednesday's session will play a major role in whether or not Kluber signs on for his 11th season in Major League Baseball. 

It's unclear which teams will be in attendance, though the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have reportedly shown interest in the 34-year-old this offseason. 

The Red Sox are looking to add some pitching depth after a disastrous 2020 campaign saw Chris Sale sidelined after Tommy John surgery. Eduardo Rodriguez also was ruled out with a heart issue after being diagnosed with COVID-19. If the Twins add Kluber, he will join a rotation that includes Jose Berrios, Randy Dobnak, Kenta Maeda and Michael Pineda. 

The right-hander owns a career 3.16 ERA and 1.086 WHIP.