Marlins' Jose Fernandez begins throwing program

MIAMI (AP) Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez is throwing again, 4 1/2 months after he underwent season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery.

Fernandez made 25 throws of 30 feet - half the distance from the mound to the plate - and said he felt great after the brief workout Wednesday at Marlins Park.

The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year was cleared last week to begin a throwing program. Fernandez underwent surgery May 16 and hopes to return around midseason in 2015.