Gunnar Hoglund takes it one day at a time

While several players may travel long distances to get to the Blue Jays sports complex in Dunedin, the road is going very well for Dunedin-born pitcher Gunnar Hoglund. Although he is not ready to return to the field due to Tommy John surgery eight months ago, the hope assures that he is getting better, and that he will one day manage to once before returning to the game.

The pitcher is currently the Blue Jays’ highest-rated prospect before appearing in a minor league game. So far in his rehabilitation process, Hoglund says he has reached every step so far. His elbow and shoulder feel very good.

He now works extensively with rehabilitation coordinator Phil Dimino, physical therapist Alex Suerte, as well as all the coaching staff wintering in Florida. He continues to work on free weights, rehabilitation, field training and conditioning.

What Hoglund is trying to master right now is the intensity and distance of his shots, which he makes from the mound. He really tries to increase the intensity of each of them with every throw, every day and every week. Prior to his injury, he was also trying to work on a new curveball, to add to his three-pitch mix. If his injury is currently preventing him from moving forward in certain areas, he can just work on what he can control.

To regain his form and hope to play in the minors in a few months, Hoglund also consults a nutritionist to eat a balanced way in his procedure.

Still navigating the unknown, Hoglund does not know what awaits him over the next few months. But he still remains in contact with three former Ole Miss players who also underwent Tommy John surgery and who accompany him in this process: Tyler Myers, Calvin Harris and Max Cioffi.

I don’t know what will happen in a few months. But I’ll just take it one day at a time. – Gunnar Hoglund

While the Blue Jays don’t yet know what level they intend to place Gunnar Hoglund at once he can play, they are focused on his health and rehabilitation over the next few months.