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Marlins' Fernandez after throwing to live hitters: 'It felt really fantastic'

Steve Mitchell / USA TODAY Sports

Jose Fernandez has taken the next step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

The Miami Marlins hurler threw to live hitters for the first time Thursday since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May, and the session at the team's spring training complex in Florida was encouraging.

"It felt great. Finally facing the hitters, I'm excited," Fernandez said. "It felt really fantastic. It felt where I belong."

The 22-year-old is already throwing up to 50 pitches in bullpen sessions, but remained noncommittal about a potential return date to action.

"I don't want to go crazy and start thinking about a day because it's going to change," Fernandez told reporters Wednesday. "I don't want to disappoint myself. ... I feel fantastic. Knocking on wood right now. I feel like I haven't left the game. I do what my doctor says. I've just got to follow a plan, follow the rules the way that I have to."

Fernandez earned National League Rookie of the Year and All-Star honors in 2013, and was selected 14th overall by the Marlins in the 2011 draft.

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