Short hops

• Left-handed pitcher Cory Luebke threw the first bullpen session in his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery in May 2012. Luebke will do the same Friday when the team is in Los Angeles.

"The ball came out of his hand well; he had some velocity," Black said. "He's still got a lot of hurdles to clear. But it was good to see him turning the ball loose."

Black indicated that Luebke would pitch in some capacity this winter, either during the team's instructional league program in the Dominican Republic or winter ball. They would love for him to get some innings before the start of Spring Training in February.

"But we're still a way out from any intricate planning," Black said.