Hellickson still on target for late May return

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Jeremy Hellickson had surgery in January to clean up loose bodies from his right elbow. Tentatively, Hellickson is scheduled to return to the team in late May or early June. For now, everything is going well for the 26-year-old right-hander.

Hellickson has been playing catch every other day with head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield.

"We've thrown six times and I still haven't felt anything," Hellickson said. "I'm pain free all over. I feel great."

Hellickson said he did not know when he will throw off a mound.

Jake Odorizzi recently earned the fifth starter spot, which came open due to Hellickson missing the start of the season.