Another simulated outing goes well for Phils pitcher Myers

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Brett Myers is eager to return to the Phillies after his hip surgery, but he's taking a cautious approach.

"Yes," Myers said of wanting to get back sooner than later. Then, on the cautious side: "But I want to be as comfortable as possible on the mound before I get back there. About three or four more times out and I will be good."

Yesterday was Myers' third simulated outing. This time he went two innings, throwing 32 pitches in 90-degree heat against hitters from the Class A Clearwater Threshers.

"I threw everything and I am feeling good," Myers said. "My arm feels great.

"Saturday, maybe," he said of when he might pitch next, "I think it's a real game, I don't know. I'm pretty sure it could be a rehab game."

Regardless of Myers' feelings, a rehab start Saturday is unlikely, according to a source with knowledge of Myers' rehab schedule. Although if he shows no ill-effects from yesterday's simulated game, Myers could make his first rehab appearance early next week.

Myers, who is 4-3 with a 4.66 ERA this season, was supposed to start throwing long-toss 3 months after his surgery, which took place June 4, according to the Phillies. Instead, Myers, who turns 29 on Monday, has been pitching simulated games just 2 months after the surgery.

- Eddie Michels