Traver giving TCU baseball more than pitching since return
Mitchell Traver’s return from injury comes in time to make an impact in the Big 12 tournament and postseason for TCU.
But the senior right-hander perhaps has already had an effect that goes beyond his 9.1 innings and three starts so far in 2016.
“He’s a role model for a lot of these guys on our team,” center fielder Austen Wade said. “The way he speaks, just how calm and composed he is, he’s just a guy that has a lot of composure about him.”
Traver (0-1, 1.93) will pitch Thursday when the Horned Frogs face Oklahoma State or Texas.
TCU is 6-2 since Traver, sidelined by a back muscle strain a week before the season, made his first start May 8 at Penn State. In its current five-game winning streak, TCU got 15.1 consecutive scoreless innings from the bullpen.
To Wade, it is not a coincidence.
“Guys have been composed. They come out and throw excellent out of the pen,” he said. “I think just having him around the pitching staff has been a big deal for us.”
Traver pitched three times in postseason last year, including a dramatic four-inning relief outing to win the late-night Super Regional Game 3 against Texas A&M. He has a track record and personality that gives the Horned Frogs confidence.
“He’s an added bonus,” coach Jim Schlossnagle said.
Traver, who has been hurt before at the start of a season, was on a pitch count in his first three starts. He said he feels now like he would feel early in a normal season.
I was fighting to get back out there. I’m starting to get more to normal. I’ll have 80 pitches or so ... It’s pretty much like a normal start.
TCU pitcher Mitchell Traver
“They were careful with me, which was great — I really appreciate that,” Traver said. “I was fighting to get back out there. I’m starting to get more to normal. I’ll have 80 pitches or so in the Big 12 tournament, which is awesome. It’s pretty much like a normal start.”
Traver in a normal start is something TCU has been waiting for all season. But his leadership, when combined with on-field performance, has been just as valuable.
“A great guy to be around,” Wade said. “Whether you’re talking baseball or just religion sometimes, he’s a good guy to look up to.”
Carlos Mendez: 817-390-7760, @calexmendez
This story was originally published May 25, 2016 at 8:26 AM with the headline "Traver giving TCU baseball more than pitching since return."