TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter on Wednesday made throws to first base for the first time since dislocating his left shoulder.

Jeter is set to begin swinging a bat Friday as he works his way back from the injury he sustained in the team’s opener on March 31.

Jeter fielded 20 grounders at shortstop and then threw the ball to first. He started fielding ground balls on the infield grass Saturday, but didn’t make any throws.

“I’m doing good,” Jeter said.

Jeter hasn’t swung a bat since being injured in a collision with Toronto catcher Ken Huckaby.

This is the fourth time Jeter has been on the disabled list in his career. He never missed more than 16 days the first three times.

Rivera rehab start pushed back one day

New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had his second extended spring training start pushed back one day to Thursday.

Rivera, who started the season on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin strain, allowed one hit during a scoreless inning in an extended spring game Monday against Toronto.

The right-hander said his whole body ached a little bit Tuesday, one day after his first outing in almost a month.

“I decided to take another day,” Rivera said Wednesday. “Today I feel good. If I was feeling hurt, I wouldn’t be pitching.”

Rivera expects to rejoin the Yankees shortly.

“Definitely next week I’ll be there,” Rivera said.

Rivera will pitch again against Toronto minor leaguers Thursday at the Blue Jays’ complex in Dunedin.

“I’m going day by day,” Rivera said. “Tomorrow is going to be an important day for me and so is the next day.”

Rivera might pitch in another minor league game Saturday.

Monday was his first game action since getting hurt on his final pitch during a spring training outing March 24.

The Yankees won 17 of their first 20 games this season without Rivera, shortstop Derek Jeter and reliever Steve Karsay

“They don’t need us,” Rivera said with a smile. “We can go home and relax. They’re playing great. I’m proud.”

Right-hander Jose Contreras is slated to throw in a simulated game Thursday. He is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Columbus next Tuesday.

Contreras signed a $32 million, four-year contract during the offseason after a stellar career in Cuba.

He was ineffective as a reliever in the majors, going 1-0 with a 10.80 ERA in five appearances for the Yankees. He was demoted so he would have more chances to pitch.

AP-ES-04-23-03 1548EDT