O'Flaherty throws inning in first rehab outing

BALTIMORE -- Lefty Eric O'Flaherty was perfect in his first rehab outing since undergoing Tommy John surgery, striking out the side in an inning of work on Friday.

Pitching for Class A Advanced Stockton, O'Flaherty threw 10 of his 13 pitches for strikes.

"Good start for him, and he felt good afterward," said manager Bob Melvin, "so that's important."

It doesn't mean he's ready to join the big league club just yet, though. O'Flaherty will continue his rehab on a Spring Training-like progression, so it's likely he makes at least five more Minor League appearances.

Melvin, however, doesn't believe he'll need to pitch on consecutive days, like most clubs have their relievers do in advance of the season, so it's plausible O'Flaherty's return could still come before month's end.