TUCSON, Ariz. — Randy Johnson threw batting practice for the first time this spring today and called it no big deal.

"I don't think there's anything really to discuss until I actually start getting into a game," Johnson said after throwing about 50 pitches. "I mean, I'm not going to push it or anything throwing batting practice."

It was the first time the 44-year-old lefty has thrown to batters since he underwent back surgery in August, his second such operation in less than a year. The five-time Cy Young winner has 284 career victories.

"It's basically no different than throwing a side," Johnson said. "What I got out of it was I extended the pitch count and saw a hitter in the batter's box, basically."

Manager Bob Melvin said another such session will be held in three or four days, then a decision will be made on whether to give Johnson his first start of the spring. Johnson said he increased his pitches by about 16 from his last bullpen session.

"Really good again," Melvin said in assessing Johnson's effort. "He didn't feel like he had to step on it, no urgency to rush type of thing."

Johnson threw mostly fastballs with a few changeups and splitters.

"We're looking more than anything for health each time and, knock on wood, it's been good every time out," Melvin said. "He hasn't been very uncomfortable. He had one little bit of a dead arm day, which everybody does, all pitchers do, then he was back out there free and easy again."