March 18--MESA, Ariz. -- After feeling resigned to merely pitching three innings Thursday without any semblance of sharpness, Jason Hammel resorted to a "back-to-basics" bullpen session before Tuesday's start against Kansas City.
Heeding the advice of David Ross, Hammel said he regained command of his fastball during the session that allowed him to throw four scoreless innings.
"Literally, I threw 42 fastballs," Hammel said of his bullpen session. "And I've told you before, when I'm good with my fastball, everything else is good. If I struggle with my fastball command, that's when I start to get myself in trouble."
Control was a point of emphasis for Hammel because he walked two in his last start because he couldn't pinpoint his fastball.
"I always attack with the fastball and work off that with the slider," Hammel said.
Hammel, who struck out three, allowed two hits but didn't issue a walk, said he about 35 of his 50 pitches were fastballs against the Royals.
