Jose Fernandez (elbow) will begin pitching in extended spring training games Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Fernandez (elbow) will begin pitching in extended spring training games Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Analysis:

The previous report on Fernandez's status had him pitching in extended spring games by mid-June, but it appears he is feeling good enough to move that estimate up a couple weeks. Fernandez is still targeting a return prior to the All-Star break, but it seems he is progressing better than anticipated, which could gain him another start or two with the big club that he was not expected to receive previously.