Brett Gardner takes swings, no pain

Brett Gardner took swings Saturday for the first time since landing on the disabled list and declared it a "step in the right direction."

The leftfielder, on the DL since April 18 with a right elbow strain, reported no pain.
"It didn't bother me at all," Gardner said. "I was a little nervous going in because I remember last time I hit, how bad it felt."

Gardner said he hopes to do a little more Sunday and perhaps take batting practice on the field by Monday. Hitting coach Kevin Longsaid there is no rush for Gardner, who isn't due to come off the DL until Thursday.

"Hopefully, it's had enough rest and I'll be good to go," Gardner said.