Marlins' Fernandez to begin throwing program Oct. 1: 'I'm feeling great'

In less than two weeks, Jose Fernandez will pick up a baseball and play catch for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery on May 16, taking a crucial step in his recovery from the devastating injury that limited him to eight starts in 2014.

Fernandez met this week with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the orthopedic surgeon who performed his surgery, and was cleared to begin his throwing program Oct. 1. The 22-year-old right-hander will start throwing from a distance of 30 feet, and could return to a big-league mound by next year's All-Star break.

"A lot of good news came out of that visit," Fernandez told MLB.com. "I'm really excited. I'm feeling great. I feel like I didn't have the surgery, so I think that's good news. The good news is everything is good."

Recovery times for Tommy John surgery vary anywhere from 12-18 months, so Fernandez is reluctant to identify a possible return date at present.

"I don't want to get disappointed in myself, and basically whatever day it is, I would love for it to be a home game," Fernandez said. "I would prefer that, but if it's in Canada, I don't mind. I just want to be pitching and help my team and give my team a chance to win."

Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill, however, is thrilled with the progress Fernandez has made thus far.

"I learned a long time ago that whenever you're dealing with injuries, you don't speculate," Hill said. "We listen to our medical staff, we follow their direction. We know it's a process. We're extremely happy with where he is at this moment and the work he's put in with the early stages of his rehab. But there is still a number of steps to go. We're cautiously optimistic."