Maholm throws bullpen session without discomfort

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dodgers left-hander Paul Maholm threw a bullpen session on Saturday and said he had no further elbow discomfort.

Maholm said he was able to throw a normal session with all of his pitches. He hadn't thrown off a mound for almost a week and is the only Dodgers starting pitcher that has not thrown live batting practice. Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke have thrown to hitters twice this spring.

"Obviously, we'll see how tomorrow goes, but I don't see any reason to think it wouldn't be fine," said Maholm.

Because of the truncated exhibition schedule this year, injured players have less time to recover from minor Spring Training injuries and still be on the March 16 flight to Australia for the season-opening series against Arizona.

Maholm was signed as a backup fifth starter if Josh Beckett, coming off surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, is not ready. Beckett is actually ahead of Maholm, having faced hitters, although it's possible neither will be needed for the two games in Australia.