news-record.com

GREENSBORO -- The nature of the minor leagues revolves around movement -- preferably upward, as players work for promotions toward the major league level.

But for much of the first part of this season, speedy Hoppers outfielder Isaac Galloway has found himself resigned to inactivity. And it wasn't by choice.

The talented 19 year old suffered a sprained left wrist after diving for a ball May 6 against Hagerstown. It initially wasn't clear whether the injury was a sprain or fracture, so Galloway had to deal with a cast for a couple of weeks before rehab and ended up on the DL until finally coming back June 17.

"I thought I was ready, but just to be sure, they took it a little slow," he said.

That wasn't a shocking decision, since Galloway is regarded as a promising prospect within the Florida Marlins organization.

"Most players when they get hurt, they wanna get back in as soon as they can. He's no exception to that, and he wanted to get back in and try to help the team and try to further his career and all that stuff," manager Darin Everson said.

Galloway said he studied a lot of film during the down time, and Everson pointed to the value of just watching games from the dugout. In particular, the manager highlighted center fielder Kevin Mattison as someone to focus on.

"It's really good for him to be able to watch a guy like Kevin Mattison who's been through the wars a few times, and kind of has like-speed and plays center field, all that stuff," Everson said.

Greensboro also put him through a simulated game and batting practice sessions before the return. That mix of both active and inactive preparation appears to have done the trick, because Galloway hasn't missed a beat since getting back on the field.

He went 0 for 8 during his first two games back, but it's been lights-out ever since. In his last 11 games -- including the Hoppers' 2-0 loss to Lakewood on Friday -- he is 16 for 45 with five doubles and a homer. That stretch has raised his season average to .292.

"Really just excited to be back out, and really not taking anything for granted," Galloway said. "Knowing how it feels not being able to play."

With Galloway back and playing well, Greensboro now has serious speed in the outfield to go along with some pop. Galloway and Mattison (11 home runs, 30 stolen bases) have been hitting 1-2 in some recent games, and both can cover lots of ground in the outfield.

When asked about Galloway's quick return to form, Everson highlighted his player's athleticism and said "he makes some things look easy."

The manager has also noticed one part of Galloway's offensive game that may have improved from the time he spent on the bench.

"It probably comes down to him watching the game and just letting the ball travel a little bit -- he really goes the other way a lot better now," he said.

Contact Jesse Baumgartner at 373-7091 or jesse.baumgartner@news-record.com