Thu 3/15/12 12:05 PM

Allen Craig took batting practice Thursday for the first time since right knee surgery in November. "It felt great," said Craig. "I've been excited about it for a while, getting back on the field and actually hitting some balls coming at me. It was fun to get out there and hit." Craig has yet to be cleared for side-to-side running or agility drills, but expects that to happen "soon." The 27-year-old hopes to return by the end of April.