Rodriguez (knee) threw a controlled bullpen session Wednesday, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.
It marked a major step in the recovery process for Rodriguez and manager John Farrell called it "a step in the right direction." Nonetheless, expect a few more bullpen sessions from the fireballer before he sees any game action. Rodriguez says he will participate in the World Baseball Classic, which should serve as a good tune-up before the season begins. The left-hander is currently competing for a spot in the rotation, but could begin 2017 in the bullpen.