PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Trevor Bettencourt talks rehab, baseball shutdown, more

Trevor Bettencourt, image- Jay Floyd

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Righty pitcher Trevor Bettencourt continues to recover from his second Tommy John surgery, but instead of rehabbing at the Phillies spring training complex in Florida, he's at home in California, because of the halt of professional sports due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Last year, just two appearances into his 2019 campaign with the Double-A Reading, Bettencourt's season was cut short, as he was dealing with arm trouble.

In his professional career to date, the 25-year-old sports a 7-3 record with 12 saves, a 3.38 ERA and .273 batting average against and an 11.3 K/9 mark in 69 relief appearances.

A 25th round draft selection in 2016, Bettencourt first went under the knife for UCL reconstruction after his sophomore season in college in 2014.

This week I talked with the man known as "T-Betty" about his recovery, how the closure of the Phils' facilities impacts his rehabilitation, recommendations to pass time for people in quarantine and more. Read ahead for that interview.

- How is recovery going from last year's elbow injury?

It’s going really well, feeling pretty good and it’s nice having the Phillies staff in your corner. I had to do a lot of throwing into a net alone for my first surgery. Including other rehab activities because of the transfer rule at the time. So pretty happy with where I am at the moment in rehab, not happy about this baseball hiatus (laughs).

- How does the baseball shutdown impact your training or rehab? What's the plan for how you will proceed?

I mean it sucks, it really does, but like happy Gilmore said, “It happens”. “ What? Sh*t?”. “Yup”. But I’ve been finding ways to get what I need done and have been staying in contact with the trainers and athletic staff to stay on top of everything. Currently just doing everything I can at home, might be going to stay with my buddy Daulton Jefferies (A’s) to do some workouts and (physical therapy).

- Are any injured or rehab guys staying in Florida and working at the team's facilities?

To be honest not completely sure. I believe everyone is at home getting their work in.

- Do you have hopes that the big league teams will work something out to make sure minor leaguers will not miss wages? Have you heard anything with that?

I haven’t really heard anything besides yeah, possibly still getting spring training money. I do really hope they get something together to help guys out though. It’s tough. A lot of people don’t understand that we really don’t make a sustainable living on just baseball. And then others argue that we are choosing this, which I understand but wouldn’t you too if you had a real chance at your goal? Either way, it’s just a difficult time for everyone involved.

- I know some fans are worried about the players. Is there anything that fans should know about this situation and how the minor league guys have been treated?

Not exactly sure what to say (laughs), but in reality it’s a tough time on everyone. Just pay it forward I guess the best you can, because there’s people out there really struggling right now.

- What recommendations do you have for people that are locked down at home as far as TV shows to binge or books to read or games to play?

I’ve been really hooked on this show called “Worth It” on Hulu and “Basic Skills Challenge”. It’s about food and cooking. I’m weird, so not sure how popular those are (laughs) but I like to cook, so those kind of shows. And I’m re-watching New Girl at the moment.

Also I'm a big video game guy. If anyone thinks they can beat Jakob Hernandez and I at Rocket League, we would love the challenge.

- Is there anything I haven't asked about that you want to share?

Just want to share this page on Twitter right now called Adopt a Minor League @adoptmilbplayer.
It’s an organization set up by a guy who understands what struggles minor league players go through. He collects donations and provides everyday essentials for minor leaguers who struggle to make ends meet. It’s a really cool thing that’s starting to get some attention and I think that would be really cool to help get more attention to that idea. His page can explain more than I can do. I’ll leave it there.

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