Zych (biceps) recorded a perfect inning while facing Rangers minor leaguers Thursday, his first in-game action since October surgery for a biceps tendon transfer, Bob Dutton of The News Tribune reports.
The right-hander tossed only 12 pitches (eight strikes) while inducing two groundouts and striking out the last of three Double-A Frisco batters. Zych is expected to suit up for his first Cactus League action March 27 and could get in one more spring outing afterwards that would line him up for a regular-season debut soon afterward. Considered a fantasy sleeper for saves in recent years, he now has a steeper hill to climb behind Edwin Diaz and, when healthy, Steve Cishek (hip), though Zych's big strikeout ability may make him useful sometime this season in leagues that value non-closer relievers.