Drabek's first bullpen session gets noticed

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Right-hander Kyle Drabek was among those who caught the eye of the Blue Jays' coaching staff on the first official day of workouts at Spring Training.

A large group of Toronto pitchers threw their first bullpen sessions Monday morning, and Drabek came away with some positive reviews from the organization. He appeared to be throwing pain free and without limitations, which is a good sign for a guy still trying to make his way back from Tommy John surgery.

The Blue Jays certainly won't read too much into the first side session of the spring, but the way Drabek looked on the mound was still an encouraging first step.

"He was one guy that stood out for me today," Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker said. "His delivery looked sound, I love where his hands are right now. He located the ball down in the zone, his changeup was outstanding.

"He looks very confident and poised. Really repeated his delivery well. If he's a guy that's going to pound the strike zone, he's definitely in the mix. There's no question that's a Major League-caliber arm."

Right-hander Drew Hutchison also threw his first bullpen session of the spring on Monday morning. Both pitchers underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012 but appear to have arrived in camp at full strength and will contend for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.