McCarthy nears final stage of recovery

PHOENIX -- Sidelined since May 31, Brandon McCarthy is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno next weekend, the final step before rejoining the D-backs' rotation.

On the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, McCarthy threw 60 to 70 pitches of a simulated game at Chase Field on Sunday, and assuming his arm recovers from the session without any setbacks, he will start at least two games for Reno once the Aces regroup following the All-Star break. D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said he wanted the right-hander to build up to 90 pitches before the club activated him.

McCarthy is 2-4 this season with a 5.00 ERA. From May 12-24, the 30-year-old allowed just one run over 24 innings, but in his final outing before hitting the DL, he surrendered six runs on nine hits in 2 2/3 innings against the Rangers.