PEORIA, Ariz. -- Potential closer Fernando Rodney and reliever Kevin Quackenbush threw off a mound to live hitters for the first time this spring on Saturday.
Rodney (sore left hamstring) and Quackenbush (sore right hamstring) have been brought along slowly this spring by design.
Each took a step forward Saturday, throwing in the morning before the Padres headed to Scottsdale to face the Rockies, where they lost, 9-5.
"They were great," Padres manager Andy Green said of both pitchers. "Quack had that second gear on his fastball, the ball was jumping, and a good feel for all of his pitches.
"With Fernando, he had that changeup he's always had, good life on his fastball. It was a good starting point for both of those guys."
The Padres have brought Rodney and Quackenbush along slowly in the first two-and-a-half weeks of camp, citing there was no need to rush late-game relievers who do not need many innings to get ready for the regular season.
Rodney first felt tightness in the hamstring while pitching in the Caribbean World Series for his native Dominican Republic last month before heading to Arizona for his first Spring Training with the Padres.
Quackenbush, who has a chance to win a job at the back end of the bullpen, felt soreness in his right hamstring after his first bullpen session last month.
Green said that both pitchers will have one more outing where they will throw to hitters before getting on a mound for Cactus League games.