Dodgers pitcher Brett Anderson throws off mound for first time since back surgery

Brett Anderson pitched off a mound on Tuesday afternoon for the first time since he underwent surgery in March on a bulging disk in his lower back, and he sounded hopeful he could start a minor league rehabilitation assignment to join the Dodgers in the near future.

Anderson said he threw 35 pitches split between two simulated innings.

“It was good to get off the mound finally, and feel like a pitcher,” Anderson said. “It was like a bullpen session I normally throw between starts. That’s the first official step, rather than playing catch and throwing on flat ground, and stuff.”

Anderson expected to throw a 45-pitch session on Friday, then convene with team officials to determine his rehab schedule.

Anderson posted a 3.69 earned-run average in 180 1/3 innings in 2015. He avoided the free-agent market and accepted a one-year, $15.8-million qualifying offer from the team last winter, a decision that backfired when his back betrayed him during spring training.

The Dodgers plan to stretch Anderson out as a starter. He would likely need four or five rehabilitation outings before the team would consider activating him.

“Things have progressed pretty quickly in the last seven to 10 days,” Anderson said. “If they continue to, I’ll be out there soon, and help.”

Luis Avilan replaces Julio Urias

With Julio Urias optioned to triple-A Oklahoma City, the Dodgers recalled left-handed reliever Luis Avilan. He has given up three runs in four appearances for the team this season.

“Avilan will be here for some undisclosed time,” Manager Dave Roberts said. “It’ll be good having another left-hander to lighten the load for [Adam] Liberatore and J.P. Howell.”

Liberatore, in particular, has been used heavily this season. He has appeared in more than 40% of the team’s games.

The Dodgers have not revealed how Urias will be handled in the minors, but his innings are expected to be restricted.

andy.mccullough@latimes.com

Twitter: @McCulloughTimes