Wandy throws problem-free in latest bullpen session

By Tom Singer

February 17, 2014

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Two bullpen sessions, two forward steps.

The Wandy Rodriguez Watch continued Monday in Pirate City, as the recovering left-hander stretched out his side work, problem-free.

"I feel good," said Rodriguez, who was secure enough in how his forearm felt to gradually press the accelerator on his fastball. "I said I would slowly increase how hard I throw, and I threw a little bit harder at the end."

Rodriguez's 38th pitch sounded off -- twice. It popped loudly into catcher Carlos Paulino's mitt, and as the two met between the mound and the plate to shake hands, the fans 10-deep on the other side of the bullpen fence gave Rodriguez a loud, spontaneous hand.

"That was nice," Rodriguez said of the reaction, with a wide grin.

"It was a good day," manager Clint Hurdle proclaimed. "He was able to throw all his pitches and get right through it. I thought he looked good."

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.