Colorado Rockies video: Scott Oberg throwing is a welcome sight

Thanks to a video posted on Instagram, we know the road back to a Major League Baseball mound has begun for Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Scott Oberg.

After missing the entire 2020 season after being diagnosed with blood clots in his right arm and undergoing thoracic outlet surgery, Colorado Rockies reliever Scott Oberg has begun his rehabilitation process.

In a video posted to his Instagram account on Monday afternoon, Oberg announced his return to throwing very quietly. Simply saying, “Day 1. Back at it. @vincera_rehab”

Here’s the video…

Vincera Rehab is located in Philadelphia and has worked with Oberg before. A testimonial from Oberg on their website talks about the pitcher’s appreciation for the company’s focus on core strength and helping to get him back on the mound in previous seasons.

Oberg told The Denver Post that he planned to begin throwing again right around Thanksgiving and the Instagram video shows that the timing is as planned and hoped. Oberg also mentioned in the article that that is when he would normally begin throwing in any season, another good sign.

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The blood clots which sidelined Oberg before he could pitch a game in the 2020 season (along with a back strain) are an all-too-common affliction for the 30-year-old right-hander. Blood clots have stopped Oberg’s season three times in his career, including 2019 when he had settled into the closer role and was thriving, posting a 2.25 ERA in 56 innings spanning 49 games.

Over the last two seasons he has been a part of the Rockies bullpen (2018 and 2019), Oberg has combined for a 14-2 record and 2.35 ERA as well as five of his seven career saves. It’s one of the reasons why the Rockies signed him to a three-year, $13 million contract that was announced at last year’s Winter Meetings in San Diego.

Oberg was missed mightily by the Rockies in 2020 as the bullpen posted a combined 6.77 ERA, the highest mark in franchise history.

Before beginning rehab, Oberg expressed that he planned to return to the Rockies in 2021, barring any setbacks. His return, along with a follow-up to a strong season from Daniel Bard and a return to form from trade deadline acquisition Mychal Givens, could fortify the back end of Colorado’s bullpen.