Hartman armed, ready to close deal for UNLV

Not exactly ideal baseball weather, but for UNLV’s Zack Hartman, Thursday was warm enough.

He was happy just to be on the field again and preparing for another season after being robbed of almost two full seasons because of elbow and shoulder injuries.

Hartman had to watch last season with mixed emotions swirling inside him as UNLV made a postseason run for the first time in nine years.

Thoughts of quitting came up more than once, but after discussions with coach Tim Chambers, Hartman stuck it out.

“Most people would’ve hung it up, but he was on a mission to get back on the mound,” Chambers said. “I’m so proud of him. He’s fought and battled and fought and battled, and he deserves everything he’s going to get.”

Hartman should be an integral part of the Rebels’ effort to return to another regional. Chambers said Hartman will share closing duties with Brayden Torres this season, which begins with a three-game series against Nebraska on Feb. 13 at Wilson Stadium.

Because Hartman is a right-hander and Torres a left-hander, Chambers can mix and match the two based on the situation.

With 16 career saves, Hartman is one from breaking the school record. He shares the mark with Jimmy Smith (1997 to 1999) and Sean Johnson (1986 to 1988).

Torres, a junior who went to Legacy High School, tied UNLV’s season saves record last year with nine while recording a 1.93 ERA. Rob Luce also had nine saves in 1996.

As much as capturing the saves record would mean to Hartman, a junior who went to Arbor View, he’s more happy about being able to get back onto the field.

“It’s been a long time,” he said. “I’ve been waiting and putting in the time. I’m ready to go, I really am.”

Hartman (5 feet 11 inches, 190 pounds) saved eight games in 2011 with a 2.35 ERA and seven the following season with a 5.50 ERA. Then, making his third appearance in 2013, he heard a pop while pitching against Bradley on Feb. 28.

Hartman knew he was hurt, but didn’t know how badly and threw four more pitches before leaving the field. He then underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and was given a medical redshirt.

Then came last season and another problem. Hartman thought he was going to play, but a pinched nerve developed in his throwing shoulder.

“It’s very common when you have Tommy John for the shoulder to go next because you change your mechanics because you’re afraid to let it go,” Chambers said.

So instead of contributing to the Rebels’ successful season, which ended with a regional trip to Corvallis, Ore., Hartman could only watch.

“I wanted to push to get back on the team and play with these guys, especially with the type of group we had last year with (Erick) Fedde and (John) Richy and (Bryan) Bonnell and Kenny (Oakley),” Hartman said. “The way everybody was throwing last year, I was sitting in the stands watching and like, ‘Man, I want to be out here so bad.’ I definitely needed to take care of myself first.”

If the Rebels are to get back to a regional, a healthy and effective Hartman will be especially beneficial. And if he produces, this probably will be his final season.

As he does with other juniors who put together quality seasons, Chambers will encourage Hartman to turn pro if given the opportunity. Seniors draftees don’t have the same amount of leverage in negotiating contracts because their options are limited.

“If he can stay healthy all year long, he definitely has a chance to play professionally,” Chambers said. “When you have only one year left, you have to go if you get a chance to go. I would love to see that happen. I’m OK with our guys leaving as juniors. That means we’re doing our job, and it means they’re doing their job.”

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.