Rendon plays three innings in sim game

CHICAGO -- Anthony Rendon continues to make progress in his return from a sprained left knee suffered in March and an oblique injury suffered in April. He played a three-inning simulated game at extended spring training in Florida on Tuesday.

If he doesn't suffer a setback, Rendon could begin a rehab assignment this weekend.

"He stole third, which is a good sign because he's not inhibited out there," manager Matt Williams said. "He's letting it go. He had a couple of at-bats. They'll move it to five [innings on Wednesday], but he came out of it great today.

"It's controlled, of course, but he's able to get out there and play, which is a good sign."

Rendon will be evaluated following the workout on Wednesday.

"He's got a scheduled off-day on Thursday," Williams said. "If he feels good enough, we'll send him out on a rehab."

Worth noting

• Right-hander Doug Fister (forearm tightness) is scheduled to begin throwing again on Wednesday. He'll have to progress through a few levels of throwing -- starting with playing catch from 60 feet and 90 feet -- before he will begin throwing off a mound.

How quickly Fister, who's eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list next weekend, can return will depend on how quickly he passes through each phase.

"It's unclear at this point," Williams said. "But if he gets out and starts throwing tomorrow, that's a good sign."