Contreras throws another scoreless inning in minor league play

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Veteran right-hander Jose Contreras made his second competitive appearance since September elbow surgery, throwing a scoreless inning in a minor league game at the Carpenter Complex on Thursday afternoon.

The 40-year-old set-up man looked healthy and sharp throughout the 20-pitch appearance. He recorded three ground ball outs and one line-drive single. An unofficial tally had him throwing 14 strikes.

With Opening Day three weeks away, the Phillies are in no hurry to rush Contreras back to action. At the same time, they have not ruled it out. Contreras hit the disabled list last May after straining his flexor pronator tendon. He had opened the season as the Phillies closer, appearing in 17 games and converting all five of his save opportunities with a 3.86 ERA, 8.4 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9.

Contreras is in the last year of a two-year, $5.5 million extension he signed prior to last season. He joined the Phillies in 2010, posting a 3.34 ERA, 9.1 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 while recording four saves in 56 2/3 innings. The Phillies are hopeful that he will eventually contribute to the back end of their bullpen, where young lefty Antonio Bastardo currently projects as the primary set-up man in front of closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Contreras previously appeared in a minor league game on Monday. The Phillies have yet to formalize his next step.