Masahiro Tanaka threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since undergoing offseason surgery.

Tanaka threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since undergoing offseason surgery.

Analysis:

Tanaka had arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in October, and it appears he's progressing well. It's not entirely clear if he will be a full participant at the start of spring training, but it's an encouraging sign that he's already on a mound after elbow issues plagued the first couple years of his major league career.