Rule 5 pick Wang pitches simulated game

MILWAUKEE -- Rule 5 Draft pick Wei-Chung Wang threw the first of what could be a series of simulated games on Wednesday, designed to push the 22-year-old's development despite a light workload.

The 20-pitch simulated game, with rehabbing Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez doing much of the batting, was staged in place of the flat-ground throwing sessions that are routine for other relievers, during which they work on pitches while throwing at less than 100 percent.

Because Wang pitches so sporadically -- six appearances in the Brewers' first 53 games -- Brewers coaches figured he needed something more closely resembling the real thing.

"I think we'd rather do that," Roenicke said. "He threw some really good breaking balls today, some good change-ups. It's something to try to progress his development. It's hard, because we still need him out there, and in a game that we need to get some innings out of him, we want to be sure he's able to throw those."

Wang controlled his effort during the afternoon mound session and was available to pitch Wednesday night, according to Roenicke.

Roenicke said the Brewers would stage future simulated games for Wang "when we think the timing is right."