CLEARWATER, Fla. — J.C. Romero threw off a mound for the first time since having elbow surgery in October, and Brad Lidge experimented with his slider for the first time as the Phillies’ top relievers worked in spring training.
On Sunday, Romero delivered 23 pitches — all fastballs. Lidge, who is recovering from surgeries on his elbow and knee, hurled 35 pitches in his third bullpen session of the spring, including six sliders.
Romero will throw again Wednesday and is expected to increase his pitch total to about 30. Lidge will throw Tuesday, falling into an every- other-day routine.
“Each time, I’m throwing a little better than before,” said Lidge, a Cherry Creek High School alumnus.
Footnotes.
Less than 24 hours since signing a minor-league deal, Jason Jennings was playing catch in the Oakland Athletics’ camp. . . . Teammate Ben Sheets threw live batting practice for the first time and impressed the coaching staff with his velocity.
• Jose Guillen, who had ankle and lower back surgery Sept. 2, is penciled in to play in the outfield for the Royals on Wednesday in an intrasquad game. . . . Willie Bloomquist, who had surgery on both knees in the offseason, won’t be playing in any early exhibition games.
• Chan Ho Park joined the New York Yankees and took part in his first workout.
The Associated Press
