WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Dillon Peters continues to impress this spring. The Marlins left-hander threw three innings of no-hit ball in his third appearance and first Grapefruit League start in Thursday's 2-2 tie against the Nationals.
While veteran pitchers work on such things as mechanics in the spring, Peters doesn't have that luxury. As a non-roster invitee, his mind was set on showing his best stuff and not holding anything back.
"I basically just wanted to show what I had and show them what I could possibly do in the future," Peters said. "I'm just working hard, keeping my head down, and learning. I'm happy that I'm here, because I'm learning a lot."
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Peters was equally solid in two earlier relief appearances. For the spring, Peters has thrown six innings, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out two.
The Marlins' 10th-round Draft pick in 2014, Peters advanced to Double-A Jacksonville in the Southern League this past season, going 3-0 with a 1.99 ERA over four starts. In two years in the Minors, Peters compiled a 15-10 record with a 2.69 ERA in 35 starts.
The ultimate underdog at five feet, nine inches and 185 pounds, Peters said he's had to be an overachiever all his life.
"I didn't get a lot of looks in high school," said Peters, who pitched for the University of Texas. "I'm just a hard worker, keep my head down and learn from whoever I can. That's kind of how I approach each day and every outing."
Although control has been a strength over his short career -- Peters has walked just 33 batters over 173 2/3 innings -- he opened the game by issuing a free pass to Nationals shortstop Trea Turner. But that would be the only baserunner the lefty would allow.
"I was kind of all over the place, dialed back in, went to glove side, and my ball was moving enough that I was fortunate enough that they were mishitting it.
Peters got his fastball up to 94 mph in the first inning, and he struck out Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth to start the second inning with a 91 mph fastball. He needed fewer than 10 pitches to retire the Nationals in order in that frame, and he did the same in the third.
Peters threw 31 pitches, 20 for strikes.
"Attack the strike zone with the fastball," Peters said of his top priority. "I kept it down early. I got some early outs. Everything was working the way I hoped for. It was just an incredible experience, and I was fortunate enough to pitch the way I did today."
Since Tommy John surgery cut his college career short, Peters has actually increased the velocity on his fastball.
"I could spike it up in college and high school, but once I had surgery, it was more consistently towards my peak. So now it's nice to have effortless velocity."
Peters credits the improvement to the rehab process.
"I rested my shoulder," Peters said. "I didn't pick up a baseball for five months. Do the shoulder routines, that's definitely going to strengthen your arm and keep you durable."