Rays' Moore throws off mound for 1st time since undergoing Tommy John surgery

Matt Moore has taken another important step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. 

The left-hander threw off a mound for the first time since undergoing the operation, making 15 throws at Tropicana Field on Tuesday. 

"To feel on line going toward home plate and getting on the hill, it was good to have that feeling," Moore said, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. 

Moore, who went under the knife in April after making just two starts, remains hopeful of rejoining the Rays in June. The 25-year-old is 29-17 with a 3.53 ERA over parts of four major league seasons. 

Tampa Bay is set to open the season with a strong rotation featuring Alex Cobb, Chris Archer, Drew Smyly and Jake Odorizzi, while there will likely be some open competition during spring training for the No. 5 spot.