Peter Lambert made his return to the mound from Tommy John surgery Wednesday for Class-A Advanced Spokane, with the Rockies’ right-hander throwing two scoreless innings in his first rehab assignment.
Lambert, who last threw in a professional game on Sept. 20, 2019, at Dodger Stadium, allowed one hit and also hit one batter. He said he “felt really good” as he sat in the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball, paired with a curveball and changeup that induced two strikeouts.
“Going into my first game in almost two years, I didn’t have any goals other than to throw a lot of strikes and get some swings (and misses),” Lambert told local media. “I was just excited to be back out there.”
Indians manager Scott Little said it was “great to see” the Rockies’ former second-round pick pitch in a game following a long rehabilitation from his elbow injury.
“You don’t really have much expectations for a guy who hadn’t pitched in so long, but I know he’s always been a competitor,” Little said. “His stuff’s getting better and better as he gets stronger (in his rehab). That was good to see, and I tip my hat to him that he’s gotten back to where he is. He did well.”
Lambert, 24, debuted with the Rockies with a dazzling outing at Wrigley Field in June 2019. He posted a 7.25 ERA in 19 starts as a rookie before being injured. Lambert is currently scheduled for three more rehab starts with Spokane — Sunday, Aug. 27 and Aug. 31 — though those outings are subject to change.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
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