Junichi Tazawa (elbow) threw two innings in an extended spring training game Friday.

Coming back from Tommy John surgery, a timetable for Tazawa's return is still up in the air. The Red Sox hope he'll be able to contribute at some point during the season.

Junichi Tazawa (elbow) threw 27 pitches in a minor league intrasquad game Sunday in Fort Myers.

Tazawa struck out three of the eight batters he faced and allowed only one baserunner, registering an 89 MPH fastball. He is still in recovery mode from Tommy John surgery and probably won't be ready until mid-summer.

Junichi Tazawa (elbow) has begun throwing off a mound but still has another few months of rehab before he'll pitch in games.

Tazawa underwent Tommy John surgery last April, a procedure that generally takes about a year to come back from. The Sox are not counting on him to be ready at the start of the season, but they do hope he can contribute at some point this year. Tazawa struggled in his time with Boston in 2009, but the 24-year-old still has definite upside.

The Red Sox plan to be conservative with Junichi Tazawa, who is making his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Tazawa underwent the procedure last April, so he should be able to contribute at some point this season. However, the Red Sox aren't making any guarantees that he'll be available for the beginning of the year. The 24-year-old right-hander has become something of a forgotten man, but he was highly-regarded prior to the surgery.

Red Sox placed RHP Junichi Tazawa on the 60-day disabled list with elbow surgery.

Tazawa is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery next Tuesday and will miss the remainder of 2010. He'll hope to be back pitching by this time next year.