Putz faces hitters; Hill set for rehab games

SAN DIEGO -- Injured closer J.J. Putz threw to injured second baseman Aaron Hill as a part of a simulated game Friday, as they both try to make their return to the D-backs from the disabled list.

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said Putz threw the ball well, the first time Putz has faced hitters since he strained his right elbow on May 7. He threw from 75 feet and is expected to throw from 90 feet in another simulated game either Monday or Tuesday.

After that, the team will address the next move for Putz, who was 2-1 with five saves in nine chances this season with an ERA of 4.26.

"Hopefully he'll be ready to go somewhere. Wherever that might be," Gibson said.

Hill is now off to Triple-A Reno to continue his rehab. He's expected to play Saturday and Sunday, take Monday off, and if everything goes well, play again Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hill has been on the disabled list since April 15 with a slight fracture in his left hand and was hitting .306 with two home runs and six RBIs in 10 games.

"It'd be good to get those guys healthy," Gibson said. "It gives us some options."