Jarrod Parker will throw another simulated game Thursday, and is closing in on pitching in minor league games, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Parker will throw another simulated game Thursday and is closing in on pitching in minor league games, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis:

Parker remains months away from returning to the rotation, but he's progressing nicely at this point. If all goes as planned, it's possible he could return before the midway point of the campaign.