Wada works through BP session without issue

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada, who had been slowed because of a tight left hamstring, threw a live batting-practice session on Saturday and passed all the tests.

"I thought he threw the ball really well," manager Joe Maddon said. "I did not see any kind of restriction. He looked very, very healthy. The ball had a lot of movement on it. He looked good for his first time out after having been restricted because of his leg."

What's next for Wada is to be determined. The Cubs have outlined their pitching for the upcoming Cactus League games, but Maddon isn't ready to reveal the rotation. The Cubs begin play Thursday with split-squad games against the Athletics at Sloan Park and against the Giants in Scottsdale.

Maddon also needs to talk with Jon Lester about the Opening Day assignment. The left-hander is expected to start April 5 against the Cardinals.

"With Jon, I just need to talk to all the starters," Maddon said. "[Pitching coach Chris Bosio] wanted to do it in the proper way, and I have not been proper yet."

Video: Maddon discusses Martinez's strengths as bench coach

• If you see one of the coaches or players with a star on his cap, it's a reward given by bench coach Dave Martinez. For example, advance scout Kyle Phillips had one Saturday to commend him for spending two hours on the field shagging Friday during batting practice.

Maddon and Martinez were together with the Rays for seven years, and have developed a strong bond.

"Davey's really good," Maddon said Saturday. "Davey's really good on the bench. He knows where I'm going all the time. He's able to anticipate things I might want to do. A lot of that would be getting guys ready prior to the moment, in game, strategy stuff.

"I would hate to have to manage against him now because he's inside my head a lot," Maddon said of the former Cubs outfielder. "Before the game, he does his homework. He's in there breaking things down. Game in progress, he's on top of stuff."

• Fans attending the March 21 game at Sloan Park between the Cubs and Mariners can take part in a "mystery ball" charity event to raise money for Paz de Cristo center in Mesa. The Cubs wives are organizing the fundraiser.