Greinke throws for first time since straining calf

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke threw off a mound Wednesday for the first time since suffering a mild right calf strain six days earlier in his first Spring Training start.

Greinke threw for about five minutes off the mound, then tossed a few breaking balls on flat ground. The right-hander was unavailable for comment after the workout. Manager Don Mattingly said the session went well and the right-hander will throw off a mound again Thursday.

Mattingly has said that Greinke needs to throw a full bullpen session before he can return to game action. Because of the club's shortened Spring Training schedule, Greinke is virtually eliminated from consideration to pitch in the Opening Series in Sydney, Australia, from March 22-23.

The Dodgers leave for that trip March 16.

The Dodgers will choose two starters from Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Dan Haren for the two Australia games against the D-backs.