Gomez's second rehab start postponed due to rain

CINCINNATI -- Injured right-hander Jeanmar Gomez was expected to make his second rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Indianapolis as he recovers from a right forearm strain and inflammation, but rain postponed the game. The goal, manager Clint Hurdle said, was for Gomez to throw 65-70 pitches in about five innings.

"We want to make sure he gets up and down five times," Hurdle said. "Unless the pitch count gets crazy on him."

In his first start with Triple-A on Thursday, Gomez went three innings, allowing three hits, three walks and one earned run while striking out three. On the 15-day disabled list since June 3, Tuesday marked the first day he was eligible to return.

Left-hander Wandy Rodriguez moved one step closer to making a rehab start of his own Monday, throwing strictly fastballs and changeups in a bullpen session. Hurdle said Rodriguez will throw a full session Thursday before pitching for Indianapolis on Sunday. The Bucs' skipper didn't know how many pitches Rodriguez will throw in his first rehab start.

"We're going to wait until we see the bullpen," Hurdle said. "He'll throw the bullpen, and we'll decide."