PITTSBURGH -- Cubs closer Brandon Morrow took another step toward returning from his right arm injury by throwing about 25 pitches in a bullpen session at PNC Park on Saturday.
"I thought it was OK," Morrow said. "I threw the ball really well. [There's] just stuff sticking around that I think I'm going to have to live with the rest of the year. So if it holds up and stays the same, I think I should be good."
Morrow, 34, is on the 10-day disabled list for right biceps inflammation, having last pitched for the Cubs on July 15. On Saturday, he described the current state of the injury as a bone bruise near his right elbow. He said he has not lost strength in the arm despite the soreness.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon pointed out the similarities in the recovery paths of Morrow and third baseman Kristopher Bryant (left shoulder inflammation), who recently began swinging off a tee in the batting cages in addition to fielding grounders.
"[Morrow] still has a little bit of that discomfort in there," Maddon said. "I know he's feeling better. It's not unlike KB. They're kind of like the same guy right now. When they do come back, they may have to play with being less than 100 percent. And they can."
Morrow said his next step will be "two or three" more bullpens and a simulated game, followed by a Minor League rehab assignment, barring any setbacks.