"Coming off an impressive rookie season, reliever Brandon Gomes is projected to play a key role in the Rays bullpen this year.

But Gomes won't be throwing at the start of spring training, held back as he continues to recover from November back surgery to clean up a disc.

"Right now it's progressing along great, I don't really see anything to be concerned about," Gomes said Friday after a workout at Tropicana Field. "I might miss the very beginning of spring training, but that's about it."

Gomes has yet to throw off a mound and likely won't throw bullpen sessions during the first week or two of camp. But given the lighter workload for relievers, he expects to be ready for opening day.

Gomes, 27, was 2-1 with a 2.92 ERA in 40 appearances, including a team-high 29 after the All-Star break, during two 2011 stints with the Rays.

He said the back became an issue about midway through the season. "It was bothering me here and there, and we decided to get it taken care of once the offseason started," he said."