Brad Ausmus liked the way Andy Pettitte threw in his first spring workout.

Catcher Brad Ausmus wondered if the veteran pitcher's delivery had been affected by his surgically repaired left elbow.

During the Astros first spring workout for pitchers and catchers, Pettitte showed the same solid delivery he had before his elbow problems began in April. For the first time since Aug. 12, Pettitte threw curveballs and fastballs off a mound on Friday.

"Pettitte looked good," Ausmus said. "A lot of times when guys have surgery, they alter their motion when they come back, but he didn't. That tells you he's fine."

There wasn't a lot of good news for the Astros in the off-season. At least they're starting spring training on a positive note.