Gonzalez rehabbing, aiming for Tuesday return

BALTIMORE -- Orioles pitcher Miguel Gonzalez pitched in a simulated game at Camden Yards on Friday afternoon, and the right-hander remains on track to start next week against the Yankees.

Gonzalez, on the disabled list with a blister on his right thumb, did not use a protective wrap on Friday and threw to several Orioles hitters, including Chris Snyder, Chris Dickerson and Alexi Casilla. He warmed up with 25 pitches in the bullpen and was pleased afterwards with how he felt.

"[I] thought it was going to be worse, but I felt pretty good actually," Gonzalez said after throwing around 50 more pitches. "I'm happy to be on the mound again, and being able to face my teammates was pretty fun."

The Orioles don't need another starter until Tuesday and manager Buck Showalter said that the team is leaning toward having him make that start, although they haven't completely ruled out Gonzalez returning on Monday. Both games are against the New York Yankees, who will come to Baltimore for a three-game series that starts on Monday.

Gonzalez, who was removed from May 3's start in Anaheim due to the blister, is 2-2 with a 4.58 ERA in six starts this season.