J.R. Graham's weight loss hasn't impacted radar guns

FORT MYERS, FLA. – While J.R. Graham is working on throwing his slider for strikes and using his changeup more, the Twins have focused on the righthander's fastball.

And they are relieved that the reliever is showing signs of throwing just as hard as he's used to.

The Twins lost 4-2 on Wednesday to Philadelphia, but Graham pitched a scoreless eighth inning. He did throw his offspeed pitches like he wanted to, but he topped out at 96 miles per hour on the radar gun. That's what the Twins want to see.

"I feel a lot more relaxed," Graham said, "and the ball comes out really well."

Twins manager Paul Molitor was pleased with a few of his pitchers Wednesday, including Graham, who resembles a young Matthew Broderick these days.

Graham lost around 30 pounds during the offseason through a better diet and sleep habits. That, combined with his offseason conditioning program, led to the pounds disappearing.

Twins General Manager Terry Ryan, however, was worried about what else would Graham lose. He still remembers the time he told Boof Bonser to lose weight during the offseason.

"He lost 20 pounds — and four miles off his fastball," Ryan said.

Then, joking, Ryan added: "I should have left well enough alone."

But Ryan also understands the reasons behind Graham's move toward a healthier lifestyle.

"He told me that he gave up certain foods and alcohol and he ate right and he got sleep," Ryan said. "I can't argue with that. Let's see what he does. I'm going to watch and see what his stuff looks like."

Ryan has to be pleased. Graham walked one batter in the eighth inning Wednesday but pitched a scoreless inning that included several pitches at 95 and 96 mph. He has pitched three scoreless innings so far in exhibition games.

"He's still got his velocity," Molitor said. "We were wondering how the ball was going come out of his hand this spring after his, transformation, if you will. Things have been fairly clean so far."

Graham spent last season on the major league roster after being selected in the Rule 5 draft out of the Braves organization. In 39 games, Graham was 1-1 with a 4.95 ERA. At times he surprised. Others, he took his lumps. Like on Aug. 18 when he gave up a grand slam to Alex Rodriguez in Yankee Stadium.

"Throw me in the fire, don't throw me in the fire," he said. "I was having fun out there."

Now the Twins can send him down to the minors if he doesn't make the team. But he represents something the Twins haven't had a lot of in recent years — velocity.

In 2014 a Twins pitcher threw a fastball of at least 97 mph only once — the fewest times in Major League Baseball, according to baseballsavant.com.

Last season, the Twins threw 64 pitches at least 97 mph. Graham had 32 of them. The Twins ranked 28th last season. As Graham gets his arm ready for the season, he should return to hitting 97 regularly.

If he can show improved command and a willingness to throw his slider and changeup more often — he started two of the four batters he faced with offspeed pitches on Wednesday — a skinnier Graham will be back on the Opening Day roster. The Twins will have a nice weapon in their bullpen. And all that offseason work would be worth it.

"I have felt a lot better this spring," Graham said, "and I have been pleased to see how my body has reacted."

Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp hit two solo homers to lead the Phillies. An RBI single by Juan Centeno in the second and an RBI groundout by Buck Britton in the seventh accounted for the Twins' scoring.