Brandon Beachy is set to throw three innings or 45 pitches Sunday in Triple-A Gwinnett in the second start of his minor league rehabilitation assignment.
He pitched two innings in an extended spring training game Tuesday. Beachy is set to make six or seven rehab starts before returning to the Braves rotation in mid-to-late June from elbow ligament-transplant surgery.
Beachy was right back up in the low-90s with his fastball in Tuesday’s game, around his usual 92-93 mph, but he said velocity is not as much of a concern to him at this point as command.
“Once it comes time to pitch in games that matter (velocity) is not going to determine whether I can get guys out or not,” Beachy said. “(It’s) being able to throw fastballs to get in favorable counts and then throwing breaking balls that are effective.”
Facing hitters in game situations is allowing Beachy the chance to work on throwing quality pitches.
“There’s a purpose behind the pitch now, not just hitting the glove,” Beachy said.
