Yanks' Joba Chamberlain Hits 97 MPH In First Appearance In 13 Months
NEW YORK (WFAN) - Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain threw 23 pitches on Tuesday for the Yankees' rookie-level Gulf Coast League affiliate, pitching in his first live-game action in 13 months.
The fireballer pitched one inning, allowing no hits, no walks and one unearned run against a Pittsburgh Pirates rookie-league team in Bradenton, Florida. He struck out two batters and -- more importantly -- his fastball was clocked at 97 mph.
"Just to feel comfortable and just to be in a game, I mean, really was the biggest thing," the 26-year-old told Newsday after his appearance. "So I was very pleased."
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He reportedly showed no signs of limping during wind sprints after his inning on the mound.
Chamberlain's ankle was injured while playing with his son on a trampoline on March 22. The Nebraska native suffered a dislocated right ankle as a result of the accident, causing him to undergo surgery.
Prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2011, Chamberlain went 2-0 with a 2.83 ERA in 28 2/3 innings pitched for the Yankees. In his short stint that season, the hard-throwing reliever recorded 24 strikeouts to just seven walks.
If Joba does return in 2012, how effective do you think he'll be for the Bombers? Sound off with your thoughts and comments in the section below...