Tom Gorzelanny Eyes Opening Day

Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Brewers left-handed relief pitcher Tom Gorzelanny is hoping to be ready by Opening Day as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.

Gorzelanny, 31, underwent a cleanup procedure in December and while he is still a few weeks away from beginning a throwing program, he has seen progress during his rehabilitation.

At Brewers On Deck, Gorzelanny told reporters that he plans to be in the bullpen when the Brewers take on the Atlanta Braves on March 31.

“That’s definitely a target date for myself. I think it’s a possibility,” Gorzelanny said. “If not that day, then pretty soon after. Sometime in April, I would say.”

Because he will be pitching out of the bullpen, Gorzelanny will not require many Spring Training outings, making his goal of being ready by day one more likely.

In 43 appearances (10 starts) last season, the southpaw went 3-6 with a 3.90 ERA. But as a reliever, Gorzelanny fared much better, boasting a 2.70 ERA.