Dodgers pitcher Scott Elbert begins throwing after two surgeries

PHOENIX -- Left-hander Scott Elbert threw for the first time in spring training Wednesday, beginning a comeback from two surgeries in the past six months.

“He’ll get back to tossing a few balls,” Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said.

Elbert, 27, was hoping to be ready to rejoin the team by April. He last pitched Aug. 26, retiring one batter against the Florida Marlins.

Elbert then underwent arthroscopic surgery on his elbow in September.

But team doctor Neal ElAttrache found a new area of cartilage damage during a second 40-minute arthroscopic procedure in January, necessitating more repair work.

A first-round draft pick in 2004, Elbert was 1-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 43 games last season, his fifth in the majors.

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