Wandy throws simulated game on Thursday

PITTSBURGH -- Pirates lefty Wandy Rodriguez (left forearm tightness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 6, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL. He is getting closer to a possible return.

He felt arm discomfort during an Aug. 19 bullpen session and again during an Aug. 22 simulated game, but he was found to have no structural damage in his pitching arm after being examined on Aug. 27 by noted orthopedist James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, Fla. Though Andrews gave Rodriguez the go-ahead to begin a throwing program on Sept. 3, he also made a diagnosis of arthritis of the left elbow. He made a rehab start for Indianapolis on Sept. 6.

Rodriguez threw a simulated game prior to Thursday night's game with the Cubs. If that goes well, he likely would be activated.

"I left and he had thrown 32 pitches and seemed to be in a good place," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We'll wait till we get to the next step. It's one thing at a time. We'll see how he throws today and we'll see how he feels tomorrow, and then we'll plan out the next step. I think he's getting close, but we're going to find out more today with him throwing four innings and trying to get to 70 pitches, that will give us more information to work with and then you add that on to how he feels tomorrow and those will be indicators to help us decide and map out what's in front of us."