Indians’ 1B/OF/DH Nick Swisher began his rehab assignment in Low-A Lake County on Monday and performed well going 2-3 with two singles and crossed the plate once helping the Captains defeat the Bowling Green Hot Rods 4-3.
Swisher seemed to be very excited to be back into his rehab when meeting with reporters prior to his rehab appearance with AA Akron on Thursday night. The Ohio State product was very excited to be back as part of a team again. On this he said:
“Yeah, you’re not feeling like you’re in somebody’s way or you’re just taking up a training room table so I’m just exctied to be back on the field doing what I know I can.”
Swisher played 7 innings in right field and did not appear to have any issues.
When asked on how his knees were feeling Swisher had this to say.
“They’re feeling great. We’ve been at this for awhile now, a lot longer than what we thought we would. Just being the the spot we are in know, I guess I could say I’m kind of proud of myself. I don’t know of any other person that has had the same surgery that I’ve had and is still going and doing what they’re doing.”
Although he isn’t quite at 100% yet, the switch hitter did say that he is on his way.
“I think we took the necessary time off. We tested it out yesterday in Lake County and said let’s see where we’re at. I don’t wanna do what I did before, I don’t want to come back to early again and it’s like hey you’ve gotta go back down and get yourself right so hopefully this is the last time we’re going through all this stuff, and we can do what we know we can.”
After not being on the DL in any of his first ten seasons in the major leagues, he has been shelved three separate times in the past two seasons with knee issues.
This has obviously led to frustration from Swisher and understandably so. After playing in no less than 131 games in any of his first ten seasons, Swish has only played in 127 games in 2014 and 2015 combined.
“I’ve never had to go through this injury phase of my career so this has been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do and coming out of it I look back, man all these guys that get hurt, it’s not an easy thing.”
Spending time on the DL is often extremely difficult, and Swisher has had to lean on his wife for support.
“My biggest support system through this has been my wife, she’s been my rock. Everyday she’s been saying it’s gonna be okay, we’re gonna be alright, you’re gonna get back to what you want to be, and there’s been days where I’ve told her you’re full of it.”
Whether or not Swisher can return a healthy enough state to help out the Indians is yet to be seen, but he is currently getting the chance to see some future Indians while on assignment. His first appearance in Akron stole the spotlight away from Tribe prospect Bradley Zimmer in his home debut at Canal Park. When asked if he had any words of advice for a fellow first round draft pick Swisher offered a few words of encouragement.
“My advice to him [Zimmer] would be you have to have a blast playing this game, because a prime example right now would be what I’m in and what I’m going through, you have to somehow try and find the fun back in it.”
Spending a couple of days at the minor league level has been a bit refreshing for the big leaguer, especially playing with the talent of the Indians farm system.
“It’s just so great being a veteran guy, being around the game for awhile just seeing all these young studs coming up because for me I’m just trying to finish this thing out strong and these guys are just starting their careers so for me it has been a lot of fun the past couple of days.”
While he is enjoying his time with the prospects, it will likely be short lived. There is currently no timetable for activation announced by the Indians.
The former All-Star has been on the Indians’ disabled list since June 14th.
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