TORONTO -- Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Raul Mondesi, who had surgery on his right elbow on Aug. 14, will try to play again this season.

	Mondesi

Mondesi, eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on Sept. 20, threw for the first time in five weeks. He will take batting practice on Friday.

"I feel good," Mondesi, who had 14 bone chips removed from his elbow, said Thursday. "I'll see how I feel, and how the team does in the next couple of weeks. If we're in contention for the playoffs I'll try to come back."

The Blue Jays began the day 4½ games behind Cleveland in the wild card race.

Mondesi said he would also consider playing if the Blue Jays are out of contention.

"It depends on what the trainers, the manager and the owner says," Mondesi said.

Mondesi, acquired from Los Angeles in the offseason, hit .272 with 24 homers and 67 RBI in 95 games.

He'd been away from the team for a few weeks, but when he walked onto the field before the game, his teammates gave him a loud ovation

"He's a presence in the clubhouse," Toronto manager Jim Fregosi said. "He plays with such abandonment. He's an integral part of our offense and defense."