TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova has thrown a simulated game and says he could pitch in an extended spring training game on Saturday.
Nova is coming back from elbow ligament replacement surgery a year ago.
The right-hander threw 12 of 15 pitches for strikes during a scoreless inning against minor leaguers Monday and appears on target to be back in June.
"Felt awesome," Nova said. "I'm happy with the progress I'm making. Every pitch was right where I wanted it."
Nova is 40-22 in parts of five major league seasons.
Left-hander Chris Capuano, who strained his right quadriceps during spring training, struck out seven and gave up one hit over the equivalent of four shutout innings against Philadelphia minor leaguers in his second extended spring game.
Capuano is expected back in mid-May.
Infielder Brendan Ryan, out with a calf injury, got two hits in his first extended spring game. He played five innings at shortstop.