Aug 11, 2006 3:53 AM EST

Carl Pavano threw 2 2/3 innings Thursday night in his first minor league rehabilitation start since surgery in May for a bone chip above his right elbow.

Pitching for Class A Tampa against the Daytona Cubs, Pavano allowed three runs, five hits, one intentional walk, striking out one. Pavano has not pitched in the major leagues since June 27, 2005.

"It's a step in the right direction," said Pavano, who threw 28 of 42 pitches for strikes. "I felt like today I probably could have thrown more. I'm excited to get out there again on Tuesday."

Via Sportsline