Isringhausen Struggles To Throw Strikes

Jason Isringhausen struggled to throw strikes Tuesday in his first batting practice of spring training, another step as the St. Louis Cardinals closer comes back from hip surgery that sidelined him during the postseason. Isringhausen threw on a back field at Roger Dean Stadium while the Cardinals traveled to play the Baltimore Orioles. He looked sharp and threw strikes while warming up.

But facing non-roster outfielders Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwig, only a few of Isringhausen's 25 pitches were strikes. The two hitters put four balls in play -- both broke bats hitting his fastballs.

"His location obviously wasn't there, but it's the first time in a while he's thrown," catcher Gary Bennett said.

Isringhausen had hip surgery in September. The 34-year-old right-hander struggled through the pain most of the season, going 4-8 with a 3.55 ERA, 33 saves and a career-high 10 blown saves.

"He threw the ball good," pitching coach Dave Duncan said. "He wasn't real happy with his command. I'm looking at his stuff and his delivery and I thought he kept his delivery together good and his location will come as time goes on."
Source: AP