Facing hitters, White reports improvement

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Right-hander Alex White, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed 10 months ago, faced hitters Monday for the third time in his recovery. He threw two sets of 15 pitches against some of his teammates.

"It felt good," he said. "That's our third time out facing hitters, and I think each time out I've been better. The velocity is coming along, and I feel more comfortable throwing to hitters. We've got a few more in the next couple of weeks and see where it goes from there."

White, 25, made the Astros' Opening Day roster last year before injuring his elbow in a preseason exhibition at Minute Maid Park and getting placed on the disabled list. He underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on April 11. He said he'll throw again Saturday and mix in some breaking balls.

"That's where I feel excited, about getting some breaking balls off the mound, spinning stuff," he said. "I think then you can kind of judge what you're going to do against hitters when you have all your stuff. I'm looking forward to that."

White said the next step following live batting practice is throwing in a game.

"When a guy is coming back off Tommy John or an injury, you want to see clean mechanics," manager Bo Porter said.