CHICAGO -- The return of lefty reliever Tony Cingrani from a right oblique strain has taken longer than originally anticipated, but after his first bullpen session on May 9 produced less-than-desired results, Cingrani felt good after he threw again from a mound on Tuesday at Wrigley Field.
Cingrani, who has been on the 10-day disabled list since April 21, threw just 15 pitches in this latest attempt.
"I hate to call it a touch-and-feel, but it was a limited number of pitches," manager Bryan Price said on Wednesday. "He threw the ball really well in his first bullpen and threw more pitches, but I don't think he came out of it as well as we hoped. We gave him more time between bullpens and then decreased the number of pitches, and he came out better [on Tuesday]."
Cingrani is scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Friday in Cincinnati, and it's possible he could begin a rehab assignment soon after. In his absence, fellow left-hander Wandy Peralta has done a nice job taking on higher-leverage situations.
Adleman on track?
Right-hander Tim Adleman is still expected to start on Saturday vs. the Rockies, but it's not a stone-cold lock just yet. Adleman exited his previous start, on Sunday vs. the Giants, after one inning because of a stiff neck.

"He's been able to throw. None of his throwing is limited," Price said. "When he threw his bullpen the last time [before the previous start], he had the little thing with his neck, and it didn't bother him at all. I think it was when the effort level went up.
"We're going to have to do everything in our power to create an environment similar to a game situation so he can kind of do a test flight on his neck. We have to really avoid going down that road."
If things don't progress as the club hopes, a backup starter would be needed for Saturday.
"I think we're all optimistic that [Adleman] will be able to make that start without any hindrance," Price noted.
Worth noting
• At some point during the upcoming five-game homestand, Anthony DeSclafani will be re-examined by doctors. If all goes well, he could be cleared to begin a throwing program and travel with the team on the next road trip, which begins on May 24. DeSclafani has not pitched this season because of a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
• Pitcher Nefi Ogando (strained right thumb) was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.