Injury updates on Lee, Contreras and De Fratus

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The first full-squad workout is underway with (so far) few injury concerns for the pitching staff.

Cliff Lee did not throw a bullpen session as scheduled Thursday because of abdominal soreness. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. called it "normal soreness" and was not aware if the team would slow down Lee's program.

"I'm not worried about Cliff," Amaro said.

Lee has been bothered by abdominal pains in previous spring trainings. In 2010, he strained an abdominal muscle and did not make his first start until April 30 for Seattle. He's had two previous abdominal strains, too.

Jose Contreras threw off a mound for the second time after elbow surgery and there were smiles all around when he finished. Amaro and assistant general manager Scott Proefrock watched from a balcony and left impressed.

"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. He had a really good demeanor when he walked off the mound. That's a very, very good first step."

The news is not as favorable for righthander Justin De Fratus, who will be shut down for at least a week with elbow soreness. Team physician Michael Ciccotti will re-evaluate De Fratus next week.

"We'll just slow him down," Amaro said. "It's early and we want to be conservative with him."

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