Mets closer Wagner close to returning

PITTSBURGH -- Injured New York Mets closer Billy Wagner is to throw a simulated game this weekend and will be activated when he's eligible to come off the disabled list on Monday.

Wagner, out with a strained left forearm, pitched a scoreless inning and struck out two batters in a rehab assignment for Double-A Binghamton on Thursday.

"All I know is that he's healthy and he threw the ball well," New York manager Jerry Manuel said before the start of a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

There were plans for Wagner to pitch a second game for Class-A Brooklyn, but Manuel said Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen wanted to see the left-hander pitch Saturday.

"We'll get him here, so Dan can see him against some hitters," Manuel said.

Wagner, an All-Star this season, is 0-1 with 27 saves and a 2.30 ERA in 45 games.