T-L File Photo/SETH STASKEY WHEELING PARK and West Virginia University product Michael Grove is entering his second professional season in the Los Angeles Dodgers system. But, like the rest of baseball and sports, Grove’s season is on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHEELING — Los Angeles Dodgers prospect and Wheeling Park graduate Michael Grove was supposed to be spending his spring on the pitcher’s mound at Minor League Spring Training in Phoenix firing his fastball and perfecting his breaking balls.

Instead, like the rest of us, he is awaiting the return of America’s Pastime, however long that may be.

In the meantime, he is trying to find ways to stay on top of his game.

“I’m down in Florida right now,” Grove said earlier in the week. “Everything closed in Wheeling so I had to find a place to throw with other guys in my situation, just trying to get work done.”

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in May of 2017, Grove was limited in action last season. He turned in 51.2 innings in 21 starts for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Class A Advanced Affiliate of the Dodgers, as he slowly returned to full strength.

Despite the minimal amount of work on the mound, Grove still blew hitters away as he reached 73 strikeouts on the season.

“Everything we’ve done is awesome,” Grove said of his recovery process. “It was frustrating at times and it was a slow progression but they had my best interest in mind.”

Grove was under great care from a solid coaching and training staff. In fact, Connor McGuinness, the Quakes’ pitching coach who helped Grove every step of the way was recently promoted to the L.A. Dodgers assistant pitching coach position for this season. Perhaps Grove won’t be far behind.

“I worked with McGuinness on delivery stuff and arm action stuff,” Grove said. “The medical staff and training staff in Phoenix are really good. They had a good program put in for me.”

After the long journey back from Tommy John, Grove was finally where he wanted to be. His fastball was averaging between 94 and 95 and even topping out at 97 and he was prepared to go deeper into games this time around.

Then, the coronavirus struck the nation, postponing what Grove hoped to be his breakout campaign.

“It’s frustrating,” Grove said. “This was going to be kind of my first full season but I will use this opportunity to get that much better and come back that much better.”

The current shutdown of baseball could even be a blessing in disguise for Grove. With less games to play during the shortened season, the determined right-hander will be well-rested and won’t be limited on the mound.

It’s time to let him loose.

“I kept getting stronger every time I threw last year and in the offseason,” Grove said. “Hopefully, I’ll continue to get stronger before the season starts.

“This year, if we can get it in, It will be more hands off and I’ll have more of a starting mindset.

“My arm is feeling good and it felt good in spring training. I’ll try to keep lifting, however long this break lasts. At least there won’t be a problem with innings during a shortened season.”

In the meantime, the MLB has agreed to pay Grove and all minor league players 400 dollars a week until May 31, when everyone hopes to be back on the field again.

“It’s a tough spot for MLB,” Grove said. “So, I just appreciate what we are getting. Hopefully by May 31, we’ll be cleared to head back and finish spring training.”

If the season does resume, Grove will either continue to pitch for the Quakes and is even hopeful for a callup to Tulsa, the Dodgers Double-A Affiliate.

Either way, Grove just wants to play ball.

“I just miss being at the field everyday,” Grove said. “I miss having my teammates around, going to the team’s facilities and seeing everybody. I miss all of that.”