Pirates' Chris Archer (thumb) to toss simulated game Friday

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Chris Archer (thumb) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Friday in St. Louis.

What It Means:

The Pirates will determine the next step in Archer's rehab after that session. The 30-year-old right-hander has been on the injured list since April 27 due to inflammation in the thumb on his throwing hand.

Archer owns a 4.33 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and 12 walks across 27 innings this season. He's 1-2 in five starts.

Source: Adam Berry