Alex Cobb (elbow) threw a baseball Saturday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.

Cobb (elbow) threw a baseball Saturday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Cobb should gradually increase his throwing activities throughout the offseason, but he's still unlikely to open the 2016 season as a member of the Rays' rotation. If he endures no setbacks in his recovery over the next several months, it's possible Cobb could return to the majors at some point before midseason.