Cashner thrilled with 30-pitch bullpen session

SAN DIEGO -- Andrew Cashner's first bullpen session since landing on the disabled list 10 days ago with a sore right elbow produced more than just unbridled positivity Tuesday.

It also left him with a sweat-soaked shirt, one that he slowly peeled off before talking with reporters.

"It's a little toasty out there," Cashner said of his bullpen session, which was conducted in the afternoon and with the Chase Field roof open.

Cashner threw 30 pitches under the watchful eyes of Padres manager Bud Black and pitching coach Darren Balsley. He threw fastballs and changeups and sounded optimistic afterward.

"It went really good," Cashner said. "No pain, no issues."

The next step, according to Cashner and Black, is for him to throw another bullpen session Friday before the team begins a three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox.

"He threw for 10 minutes and was pleased, Darren was pleased," Black said. "It looked effortless. It was fairly good intensity. On Friday he'll throw longer, more pitches and ramp up the velocity."

Cashner said he's ready for that next step in his recovery, which could eventually merit either a Minor League rehabilitation stint or a simulated game before he jumps back in the rotation.

"Not playing is not fun," Cashner said. "I was pretty anxious to get here and throw today."

Cashner said he has yet to talk with Black and Balsley about revamping his slider grip, which may have contributed to his elbow soreness. That will come soon, though.

"We're going to talk a little about it … there's some things he can do with it to benefit him," Black said.

Black said Cashner's grip when using a traditional slider and the knuckle-slider he used a lot last season essentially utilized the same grip.

That's all to be determined. For now, Cashner is extremely encouraged about where he's at and where he's heading.

"I'm looking forward to moving forward," he said.