J. B. Cox Makes First Appearance Since TJ Surgery

From Chad Jennings via River Ave. Blues:

Cox said he'd thrown four bullpen sessions to hitters before today, all of them with a screen in front of him. Tuesday was the first time the 2005 second-round draft pick pitched in a game since 2006.

“It was good to get out there," Cox said. "It’s been a long time. I’ve been out for a year with Tommy John and I didn’t pitch the whole offseason before that so it’s been 15, 16 months. To get up there and see a different jersey is definitely a little bit more adrenalin than throwing bullpens all year.”

Cox threw fastball and sliders, leaving his changeup for another day. He said his main focus was on throwing his fastball for strikes, which he did.

“I wanted to really work on my fastball and locating it, because that comes first obviously," he said. "I’m scheduled to go again on Friday, and maybe I’ll mix in everything then.”

Cox also said he expect to start the year in Tampa and join Triple-A SWB when the weather gets warmer.