YES Network.com

Coming off left elbow surgery last October to remove a bone spur, New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia too another step towards appearing in a Spring Training game when he threw 46 pitches in two innings of a simulated game Thursday morning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. 

Exactly when that debut will occur remains to be seen. Sabathia's elbow continues to be pain free and he will throw another bullpen session, but he's leaving it up to pitching coach Larry Rothschild to determine when he sees live game action.

"I like bullpens because I can work on things but I am getting antsy to pitch in a game," Sabathia said. "I am definitely getting fired up for a Spring Training game, but I have a long way to pitch in a regular-season game."

Closer Mariano Rivera also pitched an inning of the simulated game, his first since his knee surgery last year, throwing 18 pitches. 

"I feel real good, that's what I wanted to do," Rivera said. "That's what I needed to do, field bunts and plant and throw. This was perfect, now it's time to do it in a real game. There is another month to go, a long time. I am feeling good, stronger and sharper. I don't know what's next, but I feel real good.''

Follow Jon Lane on Twitter: @JonLaneNYC