Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius begins throwing program

For the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery on Oct. 17, Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius threw a baseball and reported no pain.

Anyone that watched soon to be 29-year-old Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius one-hop the baseball across the diamond during Game 2 of last years ALDS, knew something was wrong with his arm.

Soon after being eliminated from the Postseason by the eventual World Champion Red Sox, it was revealed that Didi Gregorius had sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament that would require the dreaded Tommy John surgery.

Although not quite as worrisome for a position player, as compared to a pitcher, the operation famously named after the underrated left-hander that spent eight years with the Yanks — TJ was the same procedure Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager underwent last May.

Those within the Dodgers organization expect the former 2016 NL Rookie of the Year to be at full strength when Cactus League action gets underway later this month.

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As for Sir Didi, its only been four months since he went under the knife, yet the eight-year veteran has already taken the next step in returning to the everyday lineup, as he tossed 25 balls from 60 feet on Monday. This, in addition to light throws from short to first at the Yankees minor league facility in Tampa, FLA.

Gregorius, who recently stated that he wouldn’t prematurely return to the lineup as a designated hitter, told the NY Post:

"“It’s still a waiting game for me,’’ Gregorius said. “It’s getting there. [I feel] pretty good.”"

With his timetable to resume full baseball activities uncertain (May at the earliest — perhaps September at the latest), the Yankees signed low risk-high reward shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.

Following his release from the Blue Jays this offseason, the five-time All-Star inked a one-year, $555k contract that does contain a team option for a second season, if he exceeds expectations.

Should Didi make his way back into pinstripes sooner rather than later, Tulowitzki has already made it known he is willing to play wherever the Yankees need him. And if Tulo is healthy and producing, manager Aaron Boone will find him a place in the lineup.

When asked by the Daily News asked about his new teammate, Gregorius had this to say about Tulo — the two-time Gold Glove winner and Silver Slugger:

"“Up close? As in the same team? He’s pretty good,” Gregorius said of playing with Tulowitzki. “I’ve played against the guy for a while, so I know what he is capable of.”"