Wada feels good after throwing off half mound

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada threw 20 pitches off of a half mound Monday morning at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex, as the lefty continues to progress from Tommy John surgery last May.

Wada, speaking through interpreter/athletic trainer Seob Yoon, said he will repeat the session -- which started with long toss -- Wednesday and Friday, and if all goes well, he will throw off a regular mound for the first time next Monday.

When asked if was excited about the progress, Wada didn't need anything translated.

"Yes," he said with a grin. "Yes. [It was] real good."

Wada had been on the half mound before Monday, but this was the first time he threw with some effort and he estimated it was about 70-80 percent of his normal effort.

"I do feel better day by day," said Wada, who could be back with the Orioles in May or June.