Fukuoka Softbank Hawks pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has been undergoing rehab for a fatigued right shoulder, threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, his first since March 29.
Matsuzaka, 34, tossed the bullpen with his catcher standing at the clubhouse facilities.
"I have been working at a good pace," said Matsuzaka, who tested out his fastball and curveball over 42 pitches in the bullpen after throwing long toss. "I wanted to see how much I am able to pitch."
Matsuzaka said he is anxious to return to the team but cautioned he still has a way to go. He said, "I would like to return quickly, but there is still a lot of stuff I need to work on."
According to Manabu Saito, the team's rehabilitation coach, Matsuzaka has been able to throw around 80 meters each long toss.
"His elbow and shoulder are in good condition. He told me his movement is getting much smoother," Saito said.
Matsuzaka, who is in his first season back in Japan after nine years in the majors, came down with the flu before the start of the season. He was prohibited from throwing after complaining of shoulder fatigue in discussion with Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo on April 2.
The right-hander had recently started playing catch.
Team trainer Kazuhiko Tanaka said, "He really is doing well. I'll report this to the manager."