The big hurdle was after my last injections. Me being able to squat down and pick up my son with no pain, that's a big hurdle.

Now we just have to let the bone heal itself and quit irritating it on a daily basis, ... Before I got off the mound, it felt great. The bones constantly rubbing on each other, it didn't give it time to heal.

I don't need to prove anything to opponents. Hopefully, if I go out and do my job and I'm the pitcher that I'm capable of being, I don't care if they take notice or not. They don't have to like me. They don't have to do anything. But they do have to face me and respect me.

Just a matter of getting on site -- that's a big hurdle for us.

Personally, it's exciting. Every hurdle is another step closer to a full recovery.

The liquor license has been transferred, which is the big hurdle.