"Barry Zito seemed curiously upbeat for a pitcher who has not appeared in a major-league game in nearly six weeks. Maybe that's because he stepped on an actual major-league mound Tuesday.

Zito's recovery from a sprained right foot hopped forward when he threw an extended session in the bullpen, then faced live hitters for the first time since he sustained the injury April 16.

"Everything felt great," he said. "I've been working my ass off, getting ready. It was a good first step against hitters."

The simulated game lasted three innings and about 50 pitches. Zito threw a variety of pitches to teammates Emmanuel Burriss and Eli Whiteside - most of them where he intended, aside from one hanging changeup Whiteside whacked over the fence.

"Barry threw well - I thought his velocity was better than before he got hurt," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He looked sharp out there."

Zito probably will head to Arizona next, to pitch in similar, game-like conditions in extended spring training. Then he will leave on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, possibly at Class A San Jose."