MESA, Ariz. -- When Sonny Gray wound up and fired his first pitch in Monday night's 10-3 win against the Giants, he was throwing to a familiar face.
Stephen Vogt, working his way back from offseason elbow surgery, started at catcher for the first time this spring.
"It was awesome," Vogt said. "I had a lot of energy, lot of adrenaline. Obviously under the lights against the Giants, that helps, but it just felt great to get back there."
• Spring Training:Schedule | Tickets | Information
Vogt had served as a designated hitter for five games, but the A's were playing it safe with their catcher, opting not to rush him back. Ready to get behind the plate, Vogt caught five innings Monday night, and Gray, who threw 4 2/3 innings, was happy to be working with Vogt again.
"It's good," Gray said. "It's nice to have him back out there catching. He's been hitting, but it's nice to have him back out there catching. We've got some things still to throw and get stuff and see what we're going to be going with a little more this year, especially in the early parts. It was good to get out there and work with him."
For the time being, Vogt is scheduled to catch every other day and will use that time to work on a few things he noticed Monday night.
The 31-year-old catcher said he felt a bit "jumpy" behind the plate, getting anxious receiving pitches going down too early to block breaking balls in the dirt.
As for as the elbow, Vogt is feeling good, but admitted it currently takes him a bit longer than usual to get warmed up.
However, there's still plenty of time remaining until Opening Day and the important thing is Vogt is healthy.
"I'm feeling great," Vogt said. "It's just a matter of getting the arm strength built back up and I'll be ready to go."