John Rocker was back on the mound facing batters yesterday. The former Braves closer began his stint with the Long Island Ducks in Homestead, Fla., as the team opened spring training.

“I felt good,” Rocker said in a phone interview.

Rocker has been out of baseball since 2003 when he underwent surgery on his left rotator cuff. He hopes to be back in the major leagues in 4-6 weeks.

“I think I can help this team, and once I get my stuff back and my velocity up I should be able to get to the big leagues soon,” Rocker said.

Rocker said he threw about 35-40 pitches yesterday and topped out at around 90 mph.