Jose Contreras (elbow) threw a bullpen session Monday. Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee was on hand for the workout and told reporters that it went "real well." Contreras, coming off September elbow surgery, is aiming to be ready for the start of the regular season.

Jose Contreras (elbow) thinks he could be ready to pitch in games by the second week of spring training. The right-hander, who is coming back from from surgery to remove bone chips and also repair the flexor tendon in his right elbow, said he felt even stronger in the bullpen session Friday than he did in his first session Tuesday. "He threw really well today," Amaro said. "We were very encouraged with how he threw. More importantly, he was really encouraged. That's real important. Once you go through a surgery, there's always some tentativeness there." Barring a setback, it looks like Contreras should be ready for Opening Day.

Jose Contreras (elbow) had a "smooth" bullpen session on Tuesday morning in Phillies camp. It was his first time on a mound since undergoing September elbow surgery. The Phillies can't say for certain whether Contreras will be ready by Opening Day, but he's currently on a good pace in his recovery.

Jose Contreras will throw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since his September elbow surgery. Contreras made throws from the front of a mound on Monday in Phillies camp and reported no issues. On Tuesday, he'll take the next step. Contreras is hoping to be fully healthy by the start of the regular season.

Jose Contreras (elbow surgery) has been cleared to begin a throwing program on Friday. The veteran right-hander received clearance after visiting with Phillies physician Michael Ciccotti Thursday. Recovering from surgery to remove bone chips and also repair the flexor tendon in his right elbow, there's currently no timetable for when Contreras will be ready, but general manager Ruben Amaro said he should "know more within the next month."

Jose Contreras (elbow surgery) is expected to begin a throwing program in early January. Contreras was limited to 17 appearances in 2011 due to issues with his right elbow. He has a checkup with team physicians soon after New Year's Day and will try to get back on a normal routine soon after. The 40-year-old right-hander is under contract for the 2012 season at a salary of $2.5 million.

Phillies relief pitcher Jose Contreras will begin forearm strengthening exercises next week. Contreras had season-ending elbow surgery after being sidelined for most of June with a right forearm strain. In his 17 games he earned five saves and posted a 3.86 ERA. He's on track to begin throwing by the beginning of January.

Phillies activated RHP Jose Contreras from the 60-day disabled list. Contreras is coming off an injury-plagued season that saw him appear in just 17 games. He's recovering from surgery to remove bone chips and also repair the flexor tendon in his right elbow and might not be ready for the beginning of the 2012 campaign. He's set to earn $2.5 million next season and the Phillies have a $2.5 million option on him for 2013.

Jose Contreras (elbow surgery) might not be ready for the beginning of next season. Contreras had surgery Friday to remove bone chips and also repair the flexor tendon in his right elbow. The Phillies will have a better idea on a timetable for the right-hander when he meets with team physician Michael Ciccotti on Monday, but the typical recovery period for that type of procedure lasts 4-6 months.

Phillies transferred RHP Jose Contreras from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. He was cleared to make room for the newly-acquired John Bowker on the active roster. Contreras is slated to undergo elbow surgery Friday in Los Angeles, but hopes to pitch again in 2012. The veteran right-hander is under contract for $2.5 million next season.