Wandy Rodriguez (elbow, forearm) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Thursday. The session will take place at PNC Park and is expected to last between 65-70 pitches. Rodriguez felt soreness after his rehab start on Friday, an unfortunate setback for a hurler desperately trying to return to a pennant race. At this point, a best-case scenario would involve a return to the bullpen later this month. Rodriguez has a $13 million player option for 2014, with the Pirates being responsible for $7.5 million of that total.