3/9 Lilly to throw again Wednesday

Ted Lilly will get on the mound again Wednesday and throw 35 pitches. He’d like to get in a Cactus League game this spring.

Lilly, rehabbing from arthroscopic shoulder surgery, threw 30 pitches off the mound on Sunday in Mesa. It’s one thing to throw long toss. Throwing off the mound makes him feel he’s closer to getting in a game.

“I’m going to try to get out there and compete soon,” Lilly said Tuesday. “At the end of the day, it’s their call but I’d certainly like to face some competition soon. I think I’ll be able to get ready to pitch in a game fairly soon. It’s hard to give any dates.”

He does know that he needs to build up stamina and arm strength.

“It’s still a day to day kind of thing,” he said. “I anticipate gradual progress and we’ll see how we go. As far as my shoulder, I’ve felt great. I haven’t felt anything that says I need to slow down.”

– Carrie Muskat