Tampa Bay Rays closer Brad Boxberger threw 22 pitches in an extended spring training contest on Thursday, his first game action since March 17 surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle.
If Boxberger feels good Friday, he could start a rehab assignment next week and return to the Rays by the end of May, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Boxberger led the American League with 41 saves last season and manager Kevin Cash has already announced he will hand the closer job back to the right-hander when he returns.