Early reports on Orioles starting pitcher Justin Duchscherer appear to be positive from Baltimore’s spring training facility in Sarasota. Roch Kubatko of MASN reported that Duchscherer is likely ahead of most Oriole pitchers despite making just five starts over the last two seasons due to injuries.
Duchscherer, who threw in the same group as David Riske, Jim Johnson and Michael Gonzalez, said he’s done rehabbing and is doing his “normal stuff.”
“I’m limited in some of the things,” he said. “I’m not going to go out there and run 100-yard sprints like I used to when I was younger. I’ve got to be careful with that kind of thing. I do a lot of my conditioning on machines, but other than that, there are no limitations.”
Kubatko reported that an Orioles scout clocked Duchscherer’s fastball at 85-86 miles per hour last month, it is normally between 85 to 90 according to Duke.
Manager Buck Showalter discussed Duchscherer’s finesse on the mound to Kubatko.
“Free and easy. Is that the way they say it?” Showalter said. “Him and Riske both, they are known for command. You saw it again today. I keep reminding guys like that, keep in mind the finish line.”
If he manages to stay healthy, Duchscherer will likely see a spot in the Orioles rotation behind Jeremy Guthrie.
