Beltran feels 'good' after first throwing session

SEATTLE -- Carlos Beltran seemed to be amused by the attention being paid to his brief throwing session on Wednesday at Safeco Field, the first time he has aired out his right arm since being sidelined with a bone spur last month.

"I think everything went well; just 25 throws at 90 feet -- I think you can do that, too," Beltran told a group of reporters crowded around his locker in the visiting clubhouse.

It was a fair point, but this represents a measure of progress for Beltran, who will be used as a designated hitter for the foreseeable future but hopes to return to playing the outfield later in the season.

Beltran acknowledged that it will take time for him to build back up to that goal, but he felt no discomfort. Beltran was wearing a brace to prevent him from hyperextending his elbow again, and he said that the brace did not affect him.

"Not really; at 90 feet, I feel like I was making pretty good throws," Beltran said. "My shoulder wasn't tight or anything like it. I feel good."