I don't care what I do, as long as I'm involved in the outcome of a game,

You could use the analogy that tonight was what the doctor ordered. The outcome, the game itself, was like a B-12 shot. We're feeling better.

It isn't etched in stone that I'm coming out of the pen yet. We've had some discussions.

Well, I've always started. That's where I like to be. If they want me to relieve, I'll do that. As long as I'm involved in the outcome of the game.

I'm ready to take it to the next step, whatever that might be. If they want me to throw another one of these (simulated games), or if they want to try to find a spot for me down the road to pitch.

If you'd told me I'd have these problems from the first month of the season, I'd have told you were crazy. But you can't dwell on it. Right now, I feel pretty good. I feel like I can help this team.