BOSTON — Boston right-hander Curt Schilling took a significant step in his effort to return from an injured right shoulder when he threw 25 pitches off a bullpen mound at Fenway Park.

The session today was the first time Schilling had thrown off a mound since he was placed on the 60-day disabled during spring training.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Schilling's sole complaint was that only 22 of the 25 pitches were strikes.

Francona said the 41-year-old veteran will head back to the mound Friday planning to throw 35 pitches.

Schilling signed a one-year, $8 million, incentive-laden contract with the Red Sox before being diagnosed with right shoulder weakness.

He has been steadily building toward throwing off a mound in the weeks prior to the first formal session, including shoulder and arm exercises.