Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn (hip) threw three innings during a simulated game Wednesday, per MLB.com. While results weren't the main focus Wednesday, Lynn was able to showcase an improved changeup.
"I had never seen it like that," outfielder Jon Jay, who also participated in the simulated game, said. "Same thing with [Adam Wainwright] the other day. [Lynn's] changeup was filthy. It's just another weapon to his arsenal.
"Those guys are already good, and that's what makes them special. They keep on continuing to grow and get better. You see that with Lance now. He's taking that next step to try and solidify himself as that guy that everyone looks to."
Lynn is hoping the changeup will become an asset against left-handed batters, who have compiled a .256/.355/.409 slash line against the right-hander in his career.
"It's just amazing what that does when you increase the number of weapons that you have and pitches that take you off what your strengths are," manager Mike Matheny said. "To be able to throw that cutter that looks like a four-seam [fastball], all of a sudden makes his fastball harder. And being able to throw that breaking ball for strikes, and the way the changeup is coming out -- all the way around, he is improving as a pitcher. He's just becoming a little more versatile."
Lynn has thrown several side sessions since leaving his March 8 spring start due to a left hip flexor strain. He would have been back in action Wednesday, if the Cardinals didn't have an off-day.
"It felt as good as it has the last week or so," Lynn said about his injured hip. "I treated it like I would a normal spring start. I knew I was fine. I knew I was healthy. I wasn't worried about anything. I just had to get the pitches in."