For Aurelius Haddad, it has been the long way back.

The junior right-hander missed most of last season due to an elbow injury. But Haddad is back at the front end of the Zephyrs’ rotation this spring. Beginning last week, he had a 1-1 record with a 2.76 ERA.

More importantly, though, Haddad allowed one run and two hits while walking five and striking out four in the Zephyrs’ recent 6-1 victory over Northampton that evened their record at 4-4 at the time.

“I was injured, and I had to work hard and strengthen my body,” stated Haddad. “I feel good now, and I know I can help this team.

“I think I’ve been starting to throw well. But I believe I will improve as the season goes on. I’m throwing a couple of pitches, and they have been working.”

Head coach Eric Schmitt expects a steady stream of success for him.

“He’s a good kid,” said Schmitt of Haddad. “He has all the tools to be an elite arm in the conference. He just need to believe in himself because he has shown that he can do well.”

Haddad appeared in seven games last season and threw 12 innings. He had an 0-1 record with a 4.97 ERA and 18 strikeouts with seven walks.

He has been working to develop his repertoire.

“My most effective pitches have mainly been my fastball and slider,” said Haddad. “My changeup is getting there, too. I think I have had some pretty good velocity on my pitches.”

Haddad credited his father, Adnan, as being the biggest influence in his career. He plans playing in college next year but hasn’t made his choice.

“I started playing baseball when I was 10,” noted Haddad. “My dad always has pushed me to be better and work hard.”

Haddad cited that one of his most memorable games was in a championship game for his tournament team two summers ago when he tossed a shutout over five innings.

He sees his team improving on their 10-11 slate from last year. The Zephyrs have a busy with games against Nazareth (Tuesday), Emmaus (Thursday), and Stroudsburg (Saturday).

“I think we are a good team,” he said. “We can compete with anyone, and I think we are going to do well.”