Marlins' Fernandez has cast, stitches removed

WASHINGTON -- The rehabilitation process for Jose Fernandez is about to begin.

Fernandez, the Marlins' ace, had his cast and stitches removed on Tuesday in Los Angeles, and now his road to recovery is about to begin.

The 21-year-old had Tommy John surgery on May 16 in Los Angeles. The procedure was performed by Dodgers physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

Fernandez on Monday night took to Twitter to remind everyone that he was heading to Los Angeles.

Fernandez Tweeted: "Flying to LA tomorrow to FINALLY get my cast and stitches removed! Wednesday starts the rehab. One step at a time will get me back on the mound. #JDF16"

Recommended recovery time from Tommy John surgery is 12 to 18 months. Fernandez said recently that he intends to follow the medical recommendations. There is a general feeling that he will miss 13 to 14 months.

The timetable to begin throwing a baseball is in mid-September.

"I know he was going to get stitches out," manager Mike Redmond said. "I'm sure everything is fine. The process is going well."