Alex Cobb injury: Rays P throws 1st bullpen session in return from concussion

Cobb said he still isn’t “extremely close” to returning to the Rays’ rotation, but is progressing quicker than originally anticipated. Initially, Cobb was expected to begin playing catch on July 5, not pitching. Despite his recovery going better than expected, he still does not have a time frame for a return.

He is still experiencing bouts of vertigo which will have to fully leave before he can pitch in a game. He said he wasn’t sure when vertigo and other ailments would subside:

What we’re doing right now is keeping my physical condition up to par with game activities and building up to that right now. So once the other conditions go away, I’ll be able to jump back in. It’s hard to say when those things are going to go away.

Cobb, 25, had been Rays’ best starting pitcher in 2013 before going down with the injury. Over 13 starts, he has a 3.01 ERA and 1.159 WHIP.

The Rays will continue to have Cobb pitch bullpen sessions to monitor his progress.

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