FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Drew Pomeranz pitched in a minor league game against the Twins here at the JetBlue Park complex today.

It marked his first start since he left his first spring training start with a mild left flexor strain March 2.

He faced nine batters (48 pitches, 27 strikes), allowed two runs, three hits, one walk and struck out one. He pitched in three innings. It was a controlled game and so he recorded two outs during the second inning.

"I felt good physically," Pomeranz said. "I thought I was throwing the ball well. That's about as good as I could have hoped for today. It's the first time I've thrown out of the stretch in a few weeks. But I've been working on a lot of stuff mechanically, just keeping it clean. Wasn't out there trying to burn it out. I think it was coming out of my hand pretty good, especially with the effort I was giving. I feel really good about it."

He was satisfied with how his pitches moved.

"Curveball's still got some work. But also, basically that's the first game I've been in in a long time. So honestly, it's about the best I could have hoped for. I felt good. Every ball was moving good."

He threw two simulated innings in a bullpen session March 15. So he entered today on normal rest. He expects to make another start in five days.

"I would imagine I'll push towards four (innings) next time. And then onwards and upwards and keeping coming in feeling good every day."