Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish threw a live batting practice session on Wednesday, his first since undergoing Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery in March last year.

Darvish had a full warm-up in the bullpen, and then threw 30 pitches to Double-A Frisco RoughRiders players Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Joe Jackson, the club said on its website. Frisco catcher Kellin Deglan was behind the plate.

"I saw the video, and it looked really good," pitching coach Doug Brocail was quoted as saying. "Pretty effortless."

The plan is for two more live batting-practice sessions on Sunday and next Thursday, according to the website.

The first one would be 45 pitches and the next would be 60. If all goes well, the next step would be a rehab assignment in the minor leagues.

Darvish started the season on the 15-day disabled list and is aiming for a mid-May return.