Kelly set to pitch in extended spring game

SAN DIEGO -- Pitcher Casey Kelly, rated the No. 4 prospect in the organization by MLB.com, will appear in an extended Spring Training game Monday in Arizona and if that goes well, he'll head out on a Minor League rehabilitation assignment next week.

Kelly, working his way back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on April 2 of last year, threw a side session on Friday. On Tuesday, he threw two innings in an extended Spring Training game.

He's advanced to the point where the organization is comfortable letting him pitch in real games. He will likely do so with Double-A San Antonio.

"If he passes the test Monday, he'll go out on a rehab assignment," said Padres manager Bud Black.

Kelly's rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery has gone relatively well and with few hiccups along the way.

He was scheduled to throw to live hitters on April 5 but told the organization that his elbow was a little sore. But he resumed pitching a few days later.

Kelly hasn't pitched in a real game since making a start for the Padres on Sept. 27 of 2012 against the Dodgers.