PITTSBURGH — It’s been a long journey back to Pittsburgh for right-hander Evan Meek. Coming off an All-Star 2010 season where he sported a 2.14 ERA in 80.0 innings, Meek has appeared in just 17 games this season (14.1 innings) where he posted a 4.40 ERA.
“It’s been a long year, but it‘s good to be back here,” Meek said. “I feel great. It’s good to be back here and see familiar faces. I cant really describe what the last three months have been like. It’s just real nice to be back here, back in the clubhouse, around the guys.”
After landing on the disabled list twice with right shoulder tendonitis, Meek is finally feeling the healthiest he has all season. It hasn’t been since June 6th that he has pitched in the Majors. Meek has spent the past three months rehabbing in Bradenton, pitching in simulated games and High-A games before finishing his rehab with Triple-A Indy several days ago.
“Obviously getting hurt is never fun,“ Meek said. “Just going down there and doing the rehab, same thing everyday, being away from the team and watching the games on T.V., wishing you could be there but you’re not. It really wears on you. Just going through the process of the rehab and sim games and the games, it takes a lot out of you. You remember what you’re doing it for, trying to get back up here and help the team, be a part of it anyway you can. It drives you to want to do it and get back as soon as possible.”
In 10 rehab games (10.0 innings) combined with High-A Bradenton and Triple-A Indy, Meek allowed two runs on seven hits with one walk and 10 strikeouts.
“He’s put a lot of time in the rehab and this is the best he’s felt,” Manager Clint Hurdle said. “So I think it’s imperative that we get him out there and see what comes out of all the hard work. See where it takes us. It’s still September. I just want him to be able to go out there and let it go and not feel anything other than it feeling good, and him getting some innings in while he’s here. We’ll evaluate what we see. But he has rehabbed more than he has pitched. So I think it would be good for him to go out there and have hopefully a handful of outings where the ball comes out of his hand good, the velocity’s good, there’s cut to the fastball, he can spin the ball, challenge some hitters, do some good things before the seasons over.”
Meek was recalled from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday and reinstated from the 60-day disabled list. With less than a month remaining in the season, Meek looks to finish strong and bounce back next season.
“I’m confident I can still do what I do, it’s just a matter of being healthy,” Meek said. “For me, it’s more about pitching and just ending the season on a good note. It’s good to be back here, it will be good to pitch. But it’s more for just peace of mind going in the off-season and basically starting over, doing everything I need to do to bounce back to 2012 and have a successful healthy full season.”
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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