It appeared for a while Wednesday that weather would delay Matt Garza from pitching in a game for the first time since last July. But after a one hour and 32 minute rain delay, Garza was able to pitch off a mound in an actual game. Garza was scheduled to throw 45 pitches or three innings in what the Cubs were considering his second rehab outing after throwing a simulated game in Milwaukee nearly two weeks ago.
Matt Garza threw 42 pitches, 25 for strikes, over 2 2/3 innings for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies and reportedly feel fine afterward. The Cubs announced Garza will make his next start at Triple-A Iowa on Monday. Garza will make at least three more rehab starts before the Cubs will decide if he is ready to be activated from the DL. Position players have 20 days on one rehab assignment while pitchers can have up to 30 days on one rehab assignment.
Without a doubt, this is a positive step for Garza and the Cubs.
Matt Garza threw mostly fastballs that were clocked between 86-90 mph. Garza hit 90 mph in his last inning of work. Garza walked two in the second inning that led to the run he allowed. Garza was able to bat as well but struck out looking in the third inning.
Garza retired the side in order on seven pitches, six for strikes, in the first inning. Garza walked the first two batters he faced in the second then induced a 4-6-3 double play. Garza surrendered a single to right that plated a run. Garza threw 27 pitches in the second, 13 for strikes.
Garza ended his day by retiring the only two batters he faced in the third. Garza threw nine pitches, seven for strikes, and induced two groundball outs (one to second and one to third).
Matt Garza’s final line was one run on one hit with two walks and no strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings on 42 pitches, 25 for strikes … 43 pitches, 26 for strikes, was the unofficial count after he left the game.
Garza tweeted after his outing, “Can’t thank the fans enough for your support on this tough road back! Back to the grind!”
Matt Garza flew out shortly after he left the game.