TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - New York Yankees reliever Ramiro Mendoza plans to pitch for Panama in next month's World Baseball Classic.

Mendoza confirmed his WBC status after working out Wednesday at the Yankees minor league complex. He threw 30 pitches off a bullpen mound.

"No problems ... I'm fine,'' Mendoza said. "All my pitches are good.''

Mendoza returned to the major leagues in September following shoulder surgery in January and threw one inning. He pitched during the offseason in the Venezuelan Winter League.

"It really helped me,'' Mendoza said. "I feel better than last year.''

In other Yankees' news, reliever Tanyon Sturtze started his throwing program Wednesday, making 30 tosses in the outfield from 60 feet.

Sturtze, slowed by a tired shoulder last season, spent the offseason in New York taking part in a program to strengthen it. The right-hander has no doubt he will be ready for opening day.

"My shoulder feels great ... it's strong,'' Sturtze said. "I haven't had the opportunity to throw as much as I have in the past staying in New York. We're taking it slow.''