FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox right-hander Brad Penny felt fine after throwing batting practice for the first time in spring training.

Penny threw 30 pitches Monday and said the session answered a lot of questions for him, both mentally and physically. His 2008 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers was cut short by shoulder problems, and Boston signed him as a free agent.

Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell said Penny would have two days off between batting practice sessions instead of the one day off for most pitchers. But Farrell said that barring a setback, Penny will be ready for the start of the regular season.

He's scheduled for his first spring training start on March 5.