SURPRISE, Ariz. — Plans call for left-hander Danny Duffy to take a major step Tuesday in his recovery from Tommy John surgery when he throws from a mound for the first time since exiting a May 13 game in Chicago because of elbow pain.

Duffy, 24, is scheduled to deliver up to 20 “touch-and-feel” fastballs when the Royals hold their first official spring workout for pitchers and catchers at the Surprise Recreation Complex.

“Everything is good,” Duffy said. “I’ve got no soreness. I feel better than I have since high school. I’m just trying to find a consistent release point, but that will come with time. As far as the physical side of it goes, there’s nothing wrong.”

Duffy remains “on protocol” – trainer Nick Kenney’s words – to return to active duty in July.

“That’s realistic,” Duffy said, “but I’ll be back by June. That’s what I have my mind set on. I try to set my goals high, but that’s when I expect to be back.”

Duffy was 2-2 with a 3.90 ERA in six starts last season when he suffered the injury. He underwent surgery June 13 to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the procedure in Los Angeles.

Paulino’s status

Right-hander Felipe Paulino is roughly two weeks from getting on a mound in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. He is currently at 120 feet in his throwing program.

“I’m playing catch four or five days a week,” Paulino said. “I can feel my arm getting stronger every day.”

Paulino, 29, was diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament after leaving a June 6 start against Minnesota in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. He was 3-1 with a 1.67 ERA in seven starts at the time of the injury.

Yocum repaired Paulino’s elbow in a July 3 procedure in Los Angeles. Paulino is also targeting a mid-July return.

All accounted for

All 34 pitchers and seven catchers reported to camp prior to Monday’s last optional conditioning workout. The first official workout for pitchers and catchers is at 11:30 Tuesday morning.

The Royals normally start workouts at 10 a.m., but Tuesday’s session will be delayed because the 41 pitchers and catchers will be taking routine pre-camp physical examinations from 7-11 a.m.

Tuesday’s workout is tentatively scheduled to last until 2 p.m.

The first full-squad workout is Friday and will be similarly delayed in order to permit the 20 infielders and outfielders to undergo their physicals.