Jose Fernandez (elbow) is slated to throw 45 pitches in his first extended spring training start Monday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Fernandez (elbow) is slated to throw 45 pitches in his first extended spring training start Monday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

The Marlins had been eyeing mid-June for Fernandez's first extended spring start, but the right-hander completed several live sessions without issue and convinced the training staff he was ready to pitch in a controlled environment. While it's uncertain how many extended spring starts he'll need before embarking on a rehab assignment, Fernandez's stated goal is to return before the All-Star break.