Madson throws 20 pitches off mound

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Ryan Madson threw a 20-pitch bullpen session at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Monday morning, marking the first time the Angels' potential closer has thrown off a mound in more than five weeks.

Madson threw all fastballs, but he was throwing at an estimated 50-percent intensity, so he doesn't anticipate any issues with next-day soreness.

"I was throwing harder off flat ground," Madson said. "It's just nice and easy, getting back on the hill, so it should be fine."

Madson was 10 months and four bullpen sessions into his recovery from Tommy John surgery when he experienced uncommon elbow soreness following a Feb. 1 bullpen session, prompting him to basically start his throwing program from scratch.

Madson plans to throw off the mound again on Thursday, gradually picking up the intensity level and pitch count, with the hope of getting into some Cactus League games before the schedule runs out.

For now, Madson said it just felt good to throw on a downhill plane again.

"It helped to have more of a purpose, instead of just throwing off flat ground," said Madson, who will start the season on the disabled list. "It felt smooth, felt easy."