DANVILLE, VA -- The start of Barrett Kleinknecht’s pro baseball career hasn’t gone according to plan. The former West Florence and Francis Marion standout has been bothered by a shoulder injury in his first year with the Danville Braves and has missed most of the first three weeks of the season.
“It’s just a little speed bump,” Kleinknecht said Friday before the team’s game against the Elizabethton Twins. “I’m just looking forward to getting back on the field.”
Kleinknecht started feeling soreness May 14 during his last start on the mound against Catawba in the Division II regional. He said he didn’t have much time to let it heal because he was going through workouts to get ready for the Major League Baseball draft.
Kleinknecht, who was taken by the Braves in the 12th round of the draft, said the pain continued when he arrived in Danville, but he continued to play. Kleinknecht hit safely in his first five games with a homer and five RBI but started to feel worse and got the shoulder checked during the team’s first off day.
The following day, Kleinknecht said he couldn’t throw the ball to first and was diagnosed with a shoulder impingement. The injury has caused Kleinknecht to miss 12 games.
“It’s been tough,” Kleinknecht said. “I have never had to go through something like this with an injury before. It drains you mentally, too. You have to keep positive spirits because it is definitely something you are going to face whether you’re in the major or minor leagues.
“Luckily, I’ve had support from family, former teammates and coaches helping me out.”
Kleinknecht has spent the time off rehabbing his shoulder and getting ready to return to action. He was cleared to return to action Wednesday and did just that in a big way Friday night.
In a 9-6 win over Elizabethton, Kleinknecht went 4-for-5 with a double, a home run and two RBI while playing a flawless third base.
“I’m definitely ready for my opportunity,” Kleinknecht said before the game. “I think once I get back into the lineup, I will be all right.”
Before the injury, Kleinknecht saw time at second base, shortstop and third base and designated hitter. He said it has been an adjustment getting used to the minor league game and the demands such as fielding 200-300 ground balls before each game.
The quality of pitching, however, has been the biggest thing Kleinknecht has had to get used to.
“You’re facing guys throwing in the 90s every single day and everybody is trying to perform their best every single time out there,” Kleinknecht said. “But that’s something you got to get used to and continue to get better.”
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