Chapman to throw live BP for second time

ATLANTA -- In what is expected to be his final hurdle before heading out on a Minor League rehab assignment, Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is scheduled on Saturday to throw live batting practice for the second time this week.

Chapman threw 27 pitches against Reds hitters Brayan Pena and Neftali Soto in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and came through with no problems. Saturday's session will be more like a simulated game.

"We'll probably be able to do something in the neighborhood of 35-40 [pitches] divided into two one-inning situational increments," Reds manager Bryan Price said on Friday. "That in of itself gets him closer to being with us. He still has to get out there and do a rehab and face real hitters in game situations, but because he threw so well and has been so good with his throwing, he's in great throwing shape."

Chapman, who was struck in the face by a line drive on March 19 vs. the Royals and suffered fractures above his left eye and nose, pitched from behind a screen on Wednesday. It was not known if he would go with or without the screen on Saturday.

"We haven't gotten that far yet," Price said.