I was recently given the opportunity to catch up with Washington Nationals prospect Cameron Selik.
Selik 24, was taken by the Washington Nationals in the 22nd round of the 2010 draft and is currently pitching for the Nats High A level minor league affiliate Potomac Nationals.
Cameron due to the return of Stephen Strasburg to the majors one of the hot topics amongst baseball fans around the DC area has been Tommy John surgery and the rehab process that stems from it.
Now granted each individual case is different but as someone who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2007 could you tell us what the rehab process was like for you? And even more specifically how long did it take before you could pitch again, did all of your velocity return and was there any mental hurdles that you had to overcome on your return?
"Well like you said, every case is different. In my case, my trainers and I took things very slow and it took me 16 months to get back into a game at a competitive level. I was in a rare situation also where my injury went into summer so I knew already I was missing the entire college season so there was no rush to get back. In Strasburg’s case, he and his trainers worked very hard to get back as soon as possible without over doing it. I really believe that they were very cautious with him even though he was able to make it back so soon.My Velocity came back better then it was before because my body and arm were in much better shape post surgery due to all the rehab I went through and that is the main reason that they say pitchers are better after Tommy John surgery. The fear of getting injured again is very ingrained in the back of your head when you start throwing off a mound and in games. Once a pitcher can get over that fear though and be able to trust your rehab process and arm, it all seems to go away."
This season you started off red hot as a starter for the Hagerstown Suns where you allowed just 1 run over 29 innings before being promoted up to the Potomac Nationals.
Since being promoted to the Potomac Nationals you have posted an era of 4.52 and after 16 starts for the P-Nats were moved to the bullpen to finish the season. So what has been the biggest difference for you in transitioning over from the low A level Hagerstown Suns to the high A level Potomac Nationals?
"The biggest adjustment I needed to make was being able to throw all 4 pitches in any count to any hitter. I have always had confidence in my fastball, curve and slider but never fully learned how to throw a change up till this year. And with the work that I put in with Chris Michalak and Paul Menhart the development of that pitch has given me the success that I have had this season in High A. Also with this being my first full season, I have never thrown this many innings and that was a major reason to my move to the bullpen and getting settled into my new role, I feel is giving the team the best chance to win the game."
It has been said and documented in several articles that I’ve read that you have been working hard on improving your changeup. So how would you say that has gone for you so far and where would you say you are at right now with that pitch?
"I throw 4 pitches, fastball, curveball, slider, and change up. My best pitch along with most pitchers is a located fastball… being able to throw a fastball down in the zone with movement is a great pitch for early contact and groundballs and that is what I am confident in doing. Pitching to contact is a great way to stay in the game longer as a starting pitcher. As a relief pitcher, there are more occasions where a strike out is needed to get your team out of trouble so my slider becomes a very important pitch."
Other than being drafted for you what has been your biggest moment as a player since joining the Washington Nationals organization?
"Well getting recruited and signing with the University of Kansas was a great feeling coming off tommy john surgery. But since joining the Nationals family, winning pitcher of the month my first month in Hagerstown and Last month in Vermont was awesome, but being called up in mid season was a great feeling knowing that the organization likes you and believes you to be a prospect. I have had many friends play for years and never be called up mid season."
Right now Cameron and the Potomac Nationals are in the middle of a best of 5 playoff series with the Frederick Keys so on behalf of myself and District on Deck we want to wish all the guys good luck in the post season.