Chris Capuano to throw simulated game Sunday

Chris Capuano has been progressing nicely from his strained left calf and is getting closer to returning from his stint on the disabled list. Manager Don Mattingly said on Friday that Capuano would next throw a simulated game on Sunday prior to the Dodgers' series finale against the Brewers.

Capuano threw a 55-pitch bullpen session on Thursday in New York, and played catch in the outfield at Dodger Stadim before Friday night's game as well. He was placed on the disabled list on Apr. 17, one night after straining his left calf in the second inning in a start against the Padres.

"Cappy hasn't had to stop at all because of his arm," said Mattingly.

The next step for Capuano after the simulated game would be a minor league rehab start before he is ready to be activated. The date for Capuano to be activated figures to be May 8, the final game of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium against the Diamondbacks.

Mattingly said he has no plans of skipping Stephen Fife on Thursday's off day, putting Fife in line to start both Saturday against the Brewers and May 3 against the Giants in San Francisco. If Capuano pitches a simulated game on Sunday, he could start a minor league rehab game on regular rest on Friday, May 3, keeping him in lock step with Fife, ready to take over once activated from the DL.

But given the sheer volume of injuries to Dodgers pitchers this season, perhaps nearly two weeks ahead is too far to plan.

"We have a date in mind with that off day," Mattingly said. "But let's get a little farther down the road and make sure everything goes well."

Notes

Luis Cruz was held out of the starting lineup for the sixth straight game on Friday, but Mattingly said he was making progress.

"We worked on some stuff in New York with his swing. We gave him a couple of days to keep working and continue on that path. We just have to get him back in the mix," Mattingly said. "Today could have been one of those days but after Juan walks three times yesterday and gets a big hit for us, I have to leave him out there and give him a chance to continue.

"Cruzer will get his chances again. This is a time to get his swing back together. We'll need him."

Mattingly was asked about Zack Greinke possibly throwing a bullpen session soon, after Will Carroll tweeted on Thursday that Greinke was scheduled to throw next week. Mattingly said Greinke has been playing catch, but nothing strenuous.

"He's been throwing. I don't think we're there yet. It's only been 13 days (since surgery)," Mattingly said. "He's been able to do some things. But he's not ready. He's not going to start throwing bullpens."

Game info

Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

MLB Gameday