Barring soreness, Wandy's bullpen goes well

DENVER -- Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez cleared a major hurdle in his rehab process Saturday, throwing 25 fastballs and changeups in the bullpen at Coors Field without issue.

Though Rodriguez said he could not gauge his progression until seeing how he felt when he woke up Sunday morning, he planned to throw another bullpen Wednesday in St. Louis and a simulated game Friday or Saturday at PNC Park.

Rodriguez, who is recovering from a left forearm injury sustained nine weeks ago, said he was slightly hesitant to step back on the mound and really test his arm.

"Yeah, a little bit [of nerves]," Rodriguez said. "Scared of my arm because I don't want to feel the pain again. Every time I throw I want [my arm] to feel comfortable, and I feel good."

Manager Clint Hurdle confirmed Rodriguez's schedule but was careful to note that the current plan would apply only if the left-hander progressed as hoped.

"It won't be finalized until we know how he feels tomorrow from throwing today," Hurdle said. "That's what we kind of laid out as the plan moving forward. We'd like to get him back out on that date if all goes well."