Cincinnati Reds closer Francisco Cordero has passed the first big test of spring training.

Cordero threw off the mound Saturday for the first time since Sept. 26, when he underwent surgery to repair a micro-fracture and remove a bone spur from his right foot. He says the foot isn’t yet 100 percent.

The injury has nagged at the reliever since at least 2007, when he finished second in the National League with 44 saves while with Milwaukee.

This season will be Cordero’s second with Cincinnati. He signed a four-year, $46 million contract last year, going 5-4 with a 3.33 ERA and 34 saves despite the hurt foot.

Barring any further health issues, Cordero says he’s aiming to pitch for the Dominican Republic in next month’s World Baseball Classic.