SAN FRANCISCO -- Chris Archer appears to be close to taking one more step toward rejoining the Pirates’ starting rotation.

Archer, who hasn’t pitched since Aug. 20 due to right biceps tendinitis, is expected to throw a side session sometime this weekend, said Todd Tomczyk, the Pirates’ director of sports medicine.

Since acquiring Archer from Tampa Bay for three players at the 2018 Trade Deadline, Archer has compiled a 6-12 record with a 4.92 ERA in 33 starts.

Tomczyk also said Wednesday that right-hander Nick Burdi, who has been shelved since late April with discomfort in his right biceps and elbow, underwent minor surgery to decompress some of the tissue on the lateral side of his forearm. Burdi is expected to resume full baseball-related activity by the beginning of Spring Training. The procedure was performed by Dr. Keith Meister, a Dallas-based orthopedic surgeon.

Additional injury updates

• Right-hander Kyle Crick, who needed hand surgery after his fight with teammate Felipe Vazquez, also is expected to be ready for Spring Training. Crick lacerated some tendons in his right index finger during the scuffle.

• Center fielder Starling Marte remains on the active roster, but has been cleared only to pinch-run while his sprained left wrist heals. Marte was out of the lineup for the third game in a row Wednesday.

• Outfielder Gregory Polanco, who hasn’t played since June 16 due to left shoulder inflammation, will undergo his second of three platelet-rich plasma injections this week. Polanco is continuing to focus on improving his range of motion.

• The Pirates will determine right-hander Chris Stratton’s next course of action after his physical response to Wednesday’s 30-pitch bullpen session is evaluated. Stratton has been sidelined by inflammation on his right side.