Wang throws 5 innings in extended spring game

 

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Yankees right-hander Chien-Ming Wang didn’t allow a hit over five scoreless innings in an extended spring training game Saturday.
It was Wang’s first outing since he hurt his right hamstring while running on March 23. The 19-game winner last season is scheduled to pitch in another minor league game Thursday – likely with Class-A Tampa – and might rejoin the Yankees’ rotation for a start on April 24 at Tampa Bay.
“He’s going to pitch one more time here and then we’ll see what happens after that,” Yankees vice president Billy Connors said. “He’s almost right there.”
Pitching against Tampa Bay minor leaguers, Wang struck out six and walked one. He threw 35 of 55 pitches for strikes.
“I thought it was very good for the first time out,” Connors said. “He did a great job.”
Wang struggled with his control early on, walking one and throwing seven of 14 pitches for balls during the first. He then struck out two in each of the next two innings.
“No problems,” Wang said. “I felt stronger (each inning).”
Wang will play catch Sunday and is scheduled to have a bullpen session Monday.