New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera threw 34 pitches in his first batting practice session Monday in Tampa, Fla.

Rivera, 40, has taken a slower approach at spring training for the past few years. He went 3-3 with 44 saves and a 1.76 ERA in 66 games last season.

"Delicious," Rivera said of facing hitters. "It was great."

Also, the Yankees announced that tests done by a neurologist Monday on backup catcher Francisco Cervelli, who left a game Sunday with a concussion after being hit in the helmet by a pitched ball, were normal and that he can resume physical activities. He could catch a bullpen session and take batting practice, with manager Joe Girardi "leaning" toward playing him Friday in a game.

"He got a good report, and I'm happy with that," Girardi said. "I want to see how he does the next couple days."

Girardi said Rivera will make the first of his eight or nine game appearances either March 16 or 17. The latter date would be a rare road game for the pitcher.

Slugger Albert Pujols did not make the cross-state trip for a game against the Red Sox because of discomfort in his lower back. The three-time National League MVP did not play Sunday against the Marlins -- a scheduled day off -- and is not expected to play today against the Twins, a game also being played in Fort Myers, Fla.

Slugger Vladimir Guerrero says he has no hard feelings against the Angels. Before the Rangers played Guerrero's former team Monday in a spring game, the aging slugger said he feels good about joining Texas and hopes to stay healthy and have a good season.

Center fielder Cameron Maybin said his strained left groin felt better Monday, but he will miss at least a few spring training games. He was hurt rounding third base while scoring from first on a double Sunday against St. Louis.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said it's too soon to determine whether a blood test for human growth hormone can be used for minor leaguers. He said Dr. Gary Green, the sport's outside expert, and other medical staff were examining the data. Selig said the scientific experts haven't been able to give him a time frame for their conclusions.

Prince Fielder drove in two runs and Corey Hart hit a solo homer to lead the Brewers to a 6-2 exhibition victory against a Mariners split squad in Phoenix. ... Ryan Dempster tossed two perfect innings in his spring debut as the Cubs beat the Athletics, 10-3, in Phoenix. ... Jason Heyward homered in a five-run first inning, and David Ross drove in four runs as the Braves routed the Tigers, 12-4, in Lakeland, Fla. Detroit's Max Scherzer didn't get out of the first, giving up four hits and three walks to the eight batters he faced.

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