Francisco Liriano likely heading for rehab assignment

Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano will likely need a minor-league rehab assignment before he is able to return from a strained left oblique, manager Clint Hurdle told MLB.com Friday.

"With the time he's been down, that's probably how we'll be best served," Hurdle said.

Liriano is set to throw one more bullpen session Sunday, and could then be cleared for a simulated game next week. Liriano has been out since June 11, so he will likely end up missing at least a month by the time he is ready to return.