Danny Hultzen (shoulder) pitched in an instructional league game Tuesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Hultzen (shoulder) pitched in an instructional league game Tuesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Analysis:

Now close to a full year removed from surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his left shoulder, Hultzen has finally returned to game action. It was in a controlled environment, but Hultzen reportedly fared well and he is also expected to pitch in the Arizona Fall League, with a return to full health expected before spring training. The 24-year-old went 4-1 with a 2.05 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in six starts for Triple-A Tacoma in 2013.