Janssen feeling good, set for debut Friday

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Right-hander Casey Janssen remains on schedule to make his official spring debut on Friday afternoon against the Rays.

Janssen has yet to pitch in a game this spring because of a sore shoulder, but he's now feeling healthy and is expected to be ready in time for the start of the season.

Toronto's closer threw live batting practice on Tuesday, and wasn't feeling any lingering soreness the following day, which means another road block had been cleared on his road to recovery.

"He feels great," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "He'll throw Friday and then I'm not sure the next [time], but he'll get three or four appearances before the season starts."

Gibbons added that the plan for Janssen is to throw on back-to-back days at least once before the start of the season. That likely won't happen until the middle of next week, and it remains to be seen whether he joins the club for a mini two-game series in Montreal from March 28-29, or if he instead remains in Florida to prepare for Opening Day.

Janssen recorded 34 saves in 36 opportunities last season while posting a 2.56 ERA in 52 2/3 innings.