Detwiler shows more improvement, wants to refine curve

Harrisburg Senators left-handed starter Ross Detwiler had another positive start as he continues rehab from a right hip injury. But he told me there is still some work he wants to improve on. Detwiler went 4 innings, scattering six hits, allowing no earned runs, 1 walk and two strikeouts against Bowie Friday night. He has a 1.17 ERA through two starts, 8 strikeouts, 10 hits in 7 2/3 innings. "I felt better than my last outing," Detwiler said. "My changeup was working well. I am getting a real good feel for that." What do you think you need to refine In the next few outings? "I am working on my curveball. I left it up a little. I need to put the ball in play earlier in counts. I was letting hitters go 4 or 5 pitches in instead of 2 or 3 pitches, which is what I want to do so my pitch count stays low. "A few of their hits were broken bats. I just need to focus on putting the ball in play. We have an unbelievable defense here (in Harrisburg) behind me. I need to let them do their work." How is the fastball feeling? "My fastball feels good. It is almost there. Not sure on velocity. But I assume it's good because I haven't heard anything about it." Detwiler says his velocity is back to where it was last year before his injury. The left-hander's next start is Wednesday in Harrisburg. He expects to be on a five-inning plan, about 75 pitches. Then for the next start, Detwiler anticipates being able to go to almost a full start of 80 to 90 pitches. How does the right hip feel? "The hip feels good. The night before we had a six and a half hour bus ride and got in at 4:30 a.m. I expected the hip to be sore. Especially getting up that morning. But everything was great and felt good." Ross told me he still wants to get better command on his curveball, which isn't where he wants it to be right now because he didn't have a full spring training. He also didn't throw all of his pitches early on in rehab. "It will come with time and throwing more," Detwiler said.