Saito threw a 23-pitch bullpen session at Dodgertown and reported no pain. The session was the Japanese pitcher’s first time back on the mound since complaining of discomfort during a similar session on Thursday.

“It was very good, better than expected,” Saito said through a translator. “Today was so much better than the last time I pitched from a mound last week. Now we’ll just have to see what happens.”

The 38-year-old All-Star said he was able to use all of his pitches. He will participate in a light pitcher’s fielding practice on Tuesday and within three or four days pitch a simulated game against minor leaguers.

Saito sustained a similar injury last spring but was able to pitch by March 7. He didn’t want to compare that situation to his current progress, though, because the injuries were in different parts of his calf.

“It’s really difficult trying to come back, but it’s hard to compare to last year because they were two different injuries,” Saito said.

It is still uncertain if Saito will be ready for opening day in three weeks.

“I’ll try my best to be ready for opening day, obviously,” Saito said. “We have a few weeks so I think we have plenty of time to work on that.”

Subscribe to The China Post and save.  Click hereSharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 800 characters max

Receive China Post promos

Respond to this email