Paul Ladewski

BRADENTON, Fla. — Relief pitcher Octavio Dotel likes to think that he’ll be available on Opening Day, but the 36-year-old is in no hurry to get there. In August 2007, shortly after his trade from the Kansas City Royals to the Atlanta Braves, Dotel was placed on the disabled list because of a strained right shoulder. He attempted to return prematurely and was sidelined for a total of six weeks as a result. “I learned that when it happened,” he recalled. “Now I know. I don’t want to rush back.” On Thursday morning, Dotel threw 40 pitches on a mound, including six curveballs and six sliders. The breaking pitches were the first since he pulled a muscle in his left side 18 days earlier. He was scheduled for another bullpen session on Saturday morning. Barring a setback, Dotel will pitch live batting practice on Monday morning then make an appearance in a Triple A game on Wednesday afternoon. “If I feel good, then we may change the schedule,” Dotel said.