Grilli getting closer; Wandy still targeting sim game

SAN DIEGO -- Jason Grilli incurred a forearm injury seven weeks after Wandy Rodriguez. It isn't like they're racing on the comeback track, but if they were, the reliever would have just closed fast on the rail to take the lead.

While Grilli was set to begin throwing off the slope of the mound before the Bucs depart San Diego, Rodriguez and club officials are trying to deal with the new discomfort the lefty reported after a 40-pitch bullpen session here Monday.

"It's a new development," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He didn't talk about feeling it after his simulated game at home. This was the first he'd mentioned it. He's not sure what he's feeling right now."

Plans still call for Rodriguez to go ahead and follow through on pitching a simulated game Thursday in San Francisco and see if it is more encouraging. With August winding down, there is precious little season left for a starting pitcher who has not seen game action since June 3.

Conversely, the comeback seems full top-speed ahead for Grilli who, as a reliever, only has to build up his arm strength for 15-20 pitches. He again played flat-ground catch on Monday and was set to do it off the slope of the mound Tuesday -- not full-fledged mound work, just off the side "to give him a gradual way of getting back to pushing off forward," Hurdle explained.

"[Grilli] is doing really well. Moving forward at a very good fashion," Hurdle said.