Pitcher throws 28 pitches in simulated game after elbow injury

A left-handed pitcher faced hitters Tuesday for the first time since exiting a game on May 13, throwing 28 pitches across two simulated innings. The session came as part of his recovery from a left elbow bone bruise. The injury has kept him out for about seven weeks but proved less severe than initially feared because the UCL remained intact.

The pitcher threw to two hitters and showed no elbow issues during the session. A coach described the performance as sharp and encouraged further progression. The next step is another live session scheduled for Sunday. No date has been set for a rehab assignment, and a return is expected to take at least another month barring setbacks.

The pitcher signed a $218 million contract ahead of the 2025 season.

He finished last season as an All-Star and placed fourth in AL Cy Young voting. If he and another starter both return healthy, the team would add depth to its rotation for the second half of the season.