Buster Posey already playing catch, doing squats

Buster Posey’s rehab remains on track.

According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News, the 24-year-old backstop played catch Saturday for the first time since undergoing reconstructive ankle surgery following a late-May collision with Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins.

Posey experienced no issues during the short throwing-only workout, and was filled with enthusiasm during a chat with reporters afterwards.

“I never thought I’d be so excited driving to the field today just to play catch for seven minutes,” Posey said Saturday. “It’s a big confidence boost, even something as simple as playing catch. It’s so nice. ... No pain It’s just stiff and weak. The biggest challenge is getting the range of motion back.”

Posey has also been doing squats in the weight room on a daily basis, along with conditioning and balance drills. He will head to the Giants’ spring training complex in about a week and will spend over a month there before heading home to Georgia for the offseason. The fifth overall pick in 2008, Posey batted .284/.368/.389 with four home runs and 21 RBI in 45 games this season. He won the Rookie of the Year honors in 2010.