While the Nationals' spring training opener Saturday against the Astros carried little significance for the team's fortunes this season, the occasion meant everything to relief pitcher Aaron Barrett.
For the first time since Aug. 5, 2015, Barrett pitched off an MLB mound, completing an inning while his teammates cheered him on from the dugout.
3 years, 6 months, 2 weeks and 4 daysAaron Barrett threw off an @MLB mound for the first time since 8/5/2015.Aaaaaaand now we're crying. pic.twitter.com/g70PoP7pRY
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 24, 2019The entire Nats team is watching Aaron Barrett's first big league spring training appearance back after shattering his arm. His teammates are into every pitch, yelling encouragement. So cool how they're supporting a guy who has been through so much. pic.twitter.com/VfL94QFzm8
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) February 24, 2019"It's unbelievable the amount of support I have from my teammates," Barrett told MASN's Mark Zuckerman. "Everybody sticking around to watch me pitch, it's unbelievable. I can't really explain to you how much that means to me. To be back and to be able to pitch again, words can't describe it."
Barrett, a non-roster invitee to spring training, underwent Tommy John surgery in September of 2015, and in the final stages of his rehab from the surgery in July 2016, he fractured his right elbow throwing a pitch. Barrett required two more years of rehab following the setback, and now has a metal plate and screws in his elbow.
"I think I appreciate the moment more now than I did ever," said Barrett on his return to the mound. "It's something I try to be really present. When you have something taken away, and now being able to pitch again and realizing what you have, I was just trying to really hone in on everything. It was just a special moment for me. I was just trying to make the most of it."
Aaron Barrett on the mound in a big league game for the first time since 2015. Has been through Tommy John surgery, then a broken arm, just to get back to this point. No matter what happens, it's an admirable comeback.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) February 24, 2019Follow Josh Luckenbaugh and 106.7 The Fan on Twitter.
