Righty White progressing steadily in recovery

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Astros right-hander Alex White continues to progress steadily from the Tommy John surgery he underwent nearly a year ago. White threw batting practice Friday, tossing 23 pitches, including some changeups, to a few hitters.

"We're coming along pretty good," he said. "My offspeed stuff is really good, and I'm waiting on the fastball to come along. I think it will come. We're really just at 10 months right now. A couple of more months, we should be 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 and has been rehabbing in Kissimmee since.

He hopes to be able to compete for a bullpen or rotation spot this spring.

"I feel really good command-wise and with the offspeed," he said. "One thing [that's lacking] is just the velocity, and that will come with time with reps on the mound."