Former FAU pitcher Salberg working on his control at Frederick
By MinorLeagueDugout.
The success being experienced by
Robbie Widlansky, who was highlighted in our most recent
Future Owl Friday segment, overshadowed the play of teammate
Chris Salberg.
Control issues have kept the former Florida Atlantic lefthander from getting off to the start he'd hoped for this season, but Salberg (photo) said he's feeling better on the mound now than he has at any point this season.
"I struggled a little bit so far this year, but I'm starting to throw the ball good," said Salberg, who's spent the entire season with Baltimore's Frederick affiliate of the high-Class A Carolina League. "My numbers haven't shown it yet, but I'm starting to. I feel good. I'm excited about the rest of the year."
Salberg's control was major issue early in the season - he's walking a batter for every two innings he pitches. Those free passes have contributed greatly to Salberg's 6.80 ERA.
In his past few outings Salberg has changed his approach, shunning the strikeout in favor of allowing batters to put the ball in play and get themselves out.
"I was just trying to be too fine," Salberg said. "I was just missing with pitches, not too wild."
Salberg also said he's trying to develop a cutter to go with his high 80's fastball, curveball and change up.
He's been working mostly out of the bullpen in long relief, but Salberg has made five spot starts this season.
"I don't mind being where I am right now, but I'd definitely like to be starting," Salberg said.
Teaming up again: Salberg and Widlansky aren't the only former Owls teaming up again in the professional ranks. Earlier this week
Mike Obradovich joined
Tony Bradley on the pitching staff of the
Southern Illinois Miners of the independent
Frontier League. Could be the makings of a future story on
FAUOwlAccess.com.