Watson progressing in rehab with Extended Spring team

Phillies righty pitching prospect Shane Watson was back on the mound on Monday, throwing four innings worth of action for the team’s extended spring training club in Clearwater, FL.

Against the Yankees XST team, the 21-year-old tossed 12 outs, pitching three innings, but staying on the mound for an additional three outs, to reach his predetermined pitch count of 45.

Watson, who mixed in his change up for the first time, after throwing strictly fastballs in his previous two outings, walked one, struck out one and reached 92 MPH, sitting mainly at 90 MPH.

The six-foot-four 200-pounder expressed that his secondary pitch felt good, but needs a lot of work.

Watson, who underwent his second shoulder surgery last year, is slated to make three more starts in the coming weeks, in an effort to stretch him out and return his arm to full strength, before he’s eligible to be activated from a 50-game suspension for a positive banned substance test. His next start will come this Saturday in extended spring training.

Prior to being sidelined with his initial shoulder injury as a member of the Class A Lakewood rotation in July 2013, the California native posted a 4-7 record with a 4.44 ERA and a .227 batting average against in 21 professional outings.

Watson is expected to join the Lakewood staff next month.