Thornton passes live BP test

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Matt Thornton threw two sets of 20 pitches during Wednesday's live batting-practice session, officially putting behind him triceps soreness from early in camp.

Thornton will throw a bullpen on Saturday and get into his first Cactus League game on March 5 at home against Team USA.

"I threw everything I had and as I went along, I amped up the intensity and let 'em go," Thornton said. "Got out there real good and had no problem at all."

An extended Spring Training because of the World Baseball Classic actually benefited Thornton, who backed off his schedule a bit when the soreness flared. He basically took one live BP out of his schedule, giving him four bullpens and two live BPs before his appearance.

"It kind of went the wrong way this time," said Thornton, who admitted he cranked it up a little too much a little too early during Spring Training. "We backed off a couple days, picked it right back up and didn't lose anything I worked for this offseason."