Latos feels strength return in scrimmage

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Pitching in a Minor League scrimmage for Double-A Pensacola on Monday, Reds starter Mat Latos threw 43 pitches in three innings against the Dodgers' Double-A Chattanooga club.

It was Latos' second Minor League game since returning from Feb. 14 surgery that repaired torn meniscus cartilage in his left knee. He also had bone chips removed from his right elbow in an October operation.

"The elbow feels great; the knee, I don't feel anything," Latos said. "The velocity was there with me not trying to let it go. It's Spring Training, so who cares? The velocity was there, the curveball was there, the slider was there. I can't complain with anything. I feel strong. I feel ready to go."

The Reds expect Latos to begin the season on the disabled list, and he will remain in Arizona after the team leaves camp. The plan is for him to have at least five starts in spring before pitching in the regular season.