Ryan on the way back

B.J. Ryan's comeback officially is under way.

On Friday, Ryan, a former Airline High star, worked a perfect inning in Toronto's 8-4 spring training loss to Tampa Bay.

Ryan started the game, which was delayed by rain, and struck out a pair of batters.

“I kind of went out there anxious and nervous, not really knowing what to expect because it’s the first time being back out there, and I didn’t want to feel my way around the way like I did in those simulated games,” he told reporters afterward.

Ryan is less than a year removed from Tommy John surgery. He missed most of spring training a year ago and then struggled before being shut down April 14 because of his balky left elbow.