Athletics pitcher Fernando Rodriguez faced batters Tuesday for the first time since last March as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, MLB.com reports.
"Not what I expected it to be, I guess, because I had such an adrenaline rush, so the ball was flying out of my hand," Rodriguez said. "It's kind of exciting. It's something I've been waiting for a while. I couldn't have asked for a better day for it being the first time throwing off the mound to hitters."
Rodriguez threw 20 pitches and impressed with improved mechanics in the batting-practice session. He'll progress to simulated games by the end of spring but is still uncertain to see any action in Cactus League games.