Marlins' Jeff Locke: Inching closer to rehab assignment

Locke (shoulder) is expected to participate in a rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter sometime in the near future, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

The southpaw has already thrown in simulated games at extended spring training and could return soon after his tune-up game from shoulder tendinitis that has dogged him since early in spring training. Locke would return to long relief duty with an opportunity at starts should a spot open up for the Marlins' rotation.