Hannahan tests shoulder in first start of spring

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds backup third baseman Jack Hannahan, who has been working his way back from shoulder surgery, finally had his name on a Spring Training starting lineup card Friday. Hannahan was the designated hitter vs. the Rangers.

Hannahan made his first game appearance of the spring Thursday, when he was a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning against the Dodgers. He flied out to center fielder but came away feeling good.

"It felt great," Hannahan said. "It feels good swinging. I felt like I could stay through the baseball again. The shoulder feels strong. My legs feel strong. It didn't bother me at all to swing."

Shortly after the 2013 season ended, Hannahan had right shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. While hitting and fielding have come along during camp, throwing remains the biggest issue. He is currently playing catch and throwing at distances of 100-120 feet.

The question is now whether Hannahan can get ready in time to start the regular season.

"I don't know," Hannahan said. "It's kind of been a rollercoaster as far as feeling good one day and not feeling so hot the next day. We're throwing back-to-back days with an off day -- two on, one off -- and it's been responding good. It's going to come down to the wire, really. I'm doing everything I can to strengthen it and get it back. Hopefully it will be ready."

Hannahan was 0-for-2 Friday with a strikeout before he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning.