Indians’ Kluber throws simulated game

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber took another step in his comeback from a broken right forearm by throwing a simulated game Saturday.

The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner could begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment Thursday as he continues to recover after being struck by a line drive hit by Miami’s Brian Anderson on May 1.

Kluber began playing catch about six weeks ago. He’s been throwing in bullpen for a couple of weeks and will have another side session Tuesday.

“Now that I’m getting to face hitters, hopefully that comes with getting to pitch in a game sometime soon,” he said.

Kluber threw 35 pitches to hitters from Akron, the Indians’ Double-A team, at Progressive Field. He hit 88-89 mph and threw several breaking pitches.

“I just thought he looked healthy, and that’s good,” manager Terry Francona said. “Now he has time to perfect his craft, which he’s really good at. We need to give him that time.”