R.A. Dickey struggled early last season as the velocity on his knuckleball was lacking.

"This time last year I remember peaking back there and seeing high 60s and low 70s," said Dickey, who topped out at 75 mph during his first start of the spring on Thursday. "I obviously feel better at this point than I did last year, which I hope will carry out throughout the spring and into the opening game."

The velocity is expected to trend upwards as Dickey gets deeper into Spring Training. The goal is to add a few more miles per hour to his knuckleball before the start of the regular season, which would have him sitting around 77-78 mph.

"Ideally, towards the end of the spring I like to have my comfortable knuckleball around 76 or 77 and my low one around 75," Dickey said. "I probably have three miles per hour to add on each of the high and the low from now until the end of spring. I want my fastball to be anywhere from 83-86, right in there. I'm off to a good start, feeling good, body feels great."