Reds' Bailey throws 'rewarding' bullpen session

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Homer Bailey threw only 20 pitches Friday at his club's facility in Arizona, but still left his inaugural bullpen session of spring training feeling positive.

"It was kind of really rewarding," Bailey remarked to C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It felt really good."

The 28-year-old isn't expected to be ready by Opening Day after undergoing surgery in September to repair a troublesome right flexor tendon that - along with a separate neck injury - sidelined him for the final seven weeks of the 2014 season.

Bailey, who crafted a 1.62 ERA over his final seven starts last season, admitted Friday that his next couple bullpen sessions will provide greater insight into his recovery.