GLENDALE, Ariz. – The news continues to get better for a pitching staff on the mend as the Chicago White Sox showed progress in several areas Saturday.

Not only did Erik Johnson (abdomen/oblique) throw a 20-pitch bullpen session, Chris Sale participated in group pitchers’ fielding practice for the first time since fracturing a bone in his right foot at the end of February. His activity was light, but it still represented another milestone in his recovery.

Sale remains on track to pitch April 12, meaning he would only miss one start at the outset of the season. He pitched in a simulated game Friday and could have two starts against minor leaguers before making his season debut.

Johnson struggled last season, first at the major league level and then at Triple-A Charlotte, but looked much better early in camp before slowing down with a side injury. If the right-hander can return to his 2013 levels, he can provide starting depth at Charlotte to go along with Carlos Rodon, Scott Carroll and Chris Beck.

In addition, reliever Jake Petricka played catch Saturday morning as he begins the process of coming back from right elbow soreness. Petricka had an MRI this week that came back negative for a serious injury.