Jesse Litsch (elbow) is scheduled to make a minor league rehab start Tuesday at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Litsch has already made three or four rehab appearances but he isn't eligible to return from the disabled list until June 3. So he will continue to rehab in the minors and build his confidence against the lesser competition. Litsch hasn't made a start in the big leagues this year.

Jesse Litsch (elbow) will likely make his next minor league rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

Litsch has a 1.80 ERA over his first two rehab starts, both with High-A Dunedin. He's currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery last June. Because he was placed on the 60-day disabled list, Litsch is not eligible to return until June 3 at the earliest. He could be a candidate to replace Dana Eveland once he's ready.

Jesse Litsch (elbow surgery) is scheduled to make a rehab start at Double-A New Hampshire this week.

Litsch has already made two impressive rehab outings at a Single-A affiliate and could be back in the big leagues by early June. Placed on the 60-day disabled list this spring, he's officially eligible to return June 3. The 25-year-old right-hander was 13-9 with a 3.58 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 176 innings during the 2008 season. He made only two starts in '09.

Jesse Litsch faced live hitters for the first time since Tommy John surgery at extended spring training on Wednesday.

Litsch threw 42 pitches over 3 2/3 scoreless innings. "It's very strong right now, and it's a matter of keeping up with the program and the routine," said Litsch, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June. "Hopefully, there's no setbacks, but I'm just concentrating on keeping the arm strong and getting back out there." He expects to go out on a minor league rehab assignment in two weeks.