Jeff Karstens (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Friday. Assuming all goes well, a rehab assignment could the next step. Karstens has been sidelined since the middle of spring training due to right shoulder inflammation. He's expected to be stretched out as a starter, but the Pirates could bring him back as a long reliever.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) threw a simulated game Thursday. Karstens had a setback toward the end of spring training, but could soon be ready for a rehab assignment with High-A Bradenton. The Pirates will stretch him out as a starter for now, but he could be brought back as a long reliever.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) will throw a simulated game on Thursday. Karstens had a setback earlier this month but has resumed throwing. A timetable for his return has not been established, but he appears to be back on the right path.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Thursday. Karstens had Dr. Neal ElAttrache observe his shoulder in Los Angeles and received a more specific diagnosis on his shoulder. He wouldn't go into detail on what he was told, but he said it was "relieving." It's not clear when he'll be ready to go out on a rehab assignment, but he's on the right track.

There is no timetable for when Jeff Karstens (shoulder) will resume throwing off a mound. Karstens has resumed playing catch, but he's yet to be cleared to step atop the bump again. Recovering from inflammation in his pitching shoulder, it will obviously be a while before he's ready to rejoin the Pirates' rotation.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) could begin throwing off flat ground by the end of this week. Karstens was placed on the 15-day disabled list on March 31 with right shoulder inflammation. There is no timetable for his return to the Pittsburgh rotation.

Pirates placed RHP Jeff Karstens on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 22, with a right shoulder injury. Karstens is dealing with lingering shoulder discomfort and it's still not clear at this point how long he'll be sidelined. Jeff Locke and Jonathan Sanchez will open the season in the Pirates' starting rotation.

Jeff Karstens was scratched from Sunday's start due to lingering shoulder discomfort and is expected to begin the season on the disabled list.

Jeff Karstens (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a side session Saturday. Assuming all goes well, Karstens will then pitch two innings on Monday, either in a Grapefruit League game or a minor league game. He's going to be cutting it close to be ready for the start of the season.

Pirates manger Clint Hurdle said Wednesday that Jeff Karstens (shoulder) remains on track to take his first turn in the rotation when the season begins. Karstens has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut due to a shoulder/biceps issue, but he appeared in a minor league game Wednesday. He won't be able to afford any setbacks or a DL stint will be required.