Jason Grilli throwing off mound, still without a schedule

Pirates reliever Jason Grilli threw off a mound for the first time Friday, and MLB.com reports his strained oblique responded well.

Grilli will throw another session Sunday, and will likely throw 25 pitches yet again. His next step is not yet known, as Grilli hopes to avoid a rehab assignment, while the coaches and training staff may prefer it.

"I think he's going to need some [rehab time]. We'll get his thoughts; he's a part of this," manager Clint Hurdle told MLB.com Saturday.

Grilli did get a vote of confidence from Hurdle for whenever he gets back to action, as Hurdle said he will have Grilli pitch in the closer's role as soon as he is healthy.