TAMPA, Fla. -- Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada appears to be turning a corner in his return from a lower-back injury, and he's expected to pitch in a simulated game Saturday morning.
Estrada threw a bullpen session at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on Wednesday, and according to manager John Gibbons on Thursday, everything went according to plan. The veteran starter will throw again Saturday and then likely will receive clearance to pitch in a Spring Training game at some point next week.
The timing of Estrada's return to the mound doesn't leave much leeway to get ready for the start of the regular season, but the club still expects it will be enough to begin the year with the big league team.