Dickson back on mound

Canadian pitcher Jason Dickson took to the mound for the first time in almost a year Friday, facing the Philadelphia Phillies in an extended-spring contest.

Dickson, of London, Ont., who was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent this off-season, allowed two runs and four hits while striking out four over three innings.

"It felt pretty good, I got my three innings of work in," said the righthander. "I was a little off, giving up a few hits on balls that were up.

"The main thing was it felt good, going out in between innings and warming up it felt good, I was definitely pleased with that."

Dickson, who has had two shoulder operations, felt no pain during Friday's outing.

"That's the biggest thing," he said. "You know, being a competitor you always want to see how you did and how you pitched, but now that I am done, it (shoulder) felt good and that's my main concern.

"I was a little nervous but I was a little fired up."

Dickson said he'll make at least another start in extended spring, then possibly head to single-A Dunedin to built up his pitch counts and innings.

In other developments Friday, outfielders Vernon Wells Jr. and Andy Thompson played in a simulated game at the Blue Jays complex.

Both are presently nursing groin injuries.