Brandon Beachy throws batting practice

Braves starting pitcher Brandon Beachy took the next step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery Friday, throwing a five-minute live batting practice session against shortstop Andrelton Simmons, MLB.com reports. It was Beachy's first time pitching to a batter since undergoing surgery.

"I'm not thinking about it too much," Beachy told MLB.com. "I'm just going out there and trying to make pitches. I'm not thinking about effort levels or anything like that. I'm just trying to compete with myself."

Beachy is scheduled to throw another batting practice session Sunday. He's aiming to rejoin the Braves by the end of June.