Tanaka on 1st BP session: 'I'm pretty satisfied with how the ball was moving'

Masahiro Tanaka took an important step Monday in his recovery from Tommy John surgery: throwing to hitters for the first time this spring.

Tanaka, who missed 2 1/2 months last season with a partially torn UCL in his right elbow, threw 25 pitches during Monday's batting practice session.

''I tried not to go too hard today,'' Tanaka said through an interpreter. ''The reason is, it's natural once you get on the mound and once you're facing batters you want to go hard. That's what I was thinking on the mound.''

Tanaka opted against surgery last summer in favor of rest, but has yet to report any setbacks this spring with his elbow. The New York Yankees right-hander could take part in a simulated game later this week.

''I understand that everybody's worried about the elbow and I understand too that I have to be cautious about it as well, but so far it's been good,'' said Tanaka, who mixed in a half dozen split-finger fastballs during the workout. ''I'm pretty satisfied with how the ball was moving.''

- With files from The Associated Press