Not many MLB players working out in anticipation for whenever the 2020 season gets underway have someone working alongside of them, let alone a teammate.
Dom Smith and Marcus Stroman have been working out together since the pandemic shut down spring training, and it has given Smith a real good look at what Stroman brings to the rubber every fifth day.
When his stuff is on, Stroman is one of the hardest pitchers to time and hit with his deceptive delivery techniques that match his array of pitches. On the latest episode of The Cookie Club presented by Insomnia Cookies, Smith discussed what he's been doing with Stroman recently.
"I've seen him throw all his bullpens and I'll step in," he said. "He doesn't let me swing yet. He doesn't want it right now. No, I'm just playing."
While Smith and J.D. Davis have been ramping up their own workouts, with Smith mentioning he's getting more outfield work in recently as part of that, the former first-round pick loves being around Stroman because of the energy he brings on a daily basis.
"Stroman, he's nasty, man, and he's locked in," Smith said. "I'll step in and his stuff looked really good. He was running cutters in off my hands and throwing sinkers down and away. His ball, it really dances up at the plate and I can see why hitters cannot barrel him up."
And Smith hasn't just stepped in the box to watch Stroman's pitches. He's caught them, too...
Dom stepping in to serve as Stro's catcher 💪 (via @STR0) pic.twitter.com/e5mgRI16zN
- SNY (@SNYtv) March 30, 2020
There are still negotiations to be had before MLB can put a definite date on starting the season again. However, players like Smith, Davis and Stroman all seem prepared and ready to get things going very soon.