Bubic's long-awaited return to mound came 'free and easy'

March 2, 2026 - 11:14

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The long-awaited return to the mound for pitcher Kris Bubic was defined not by anxiety, but by a feeling of liberation. Making his first game appearance in just over seven months, the left-hander focused on execution rather than the lengthy timeline of his recovery.

Bubic, who underwent Tommy John surgery last April, described his spring debut on Sunday as coming from a place of freedom. His primary goal was to attack the strike zone with his full arsenal of pitches, trusting in the rehabilitation work completed behind the scenes. The results were encouraging, featuring a mix of fastballs, changeups, and curveballs against opposing hitters.

For Bubic, the day marked a significant milestone, moving beyond the monotony of bullpen sessions and simulated games. He expressed satisfaction in simply competing again, facing batters in a live setting, and feeling the natural adrenaline of game action. The outing represents a crucial first step in his journey back to a major league rotation, with the focus now shifting to building stamina and refining command as spring training progresses. The organization views his return as a gradual process, but one that began on an overwhelmingly positive and healthy note.