22 Chris Archer SP

Archer (abdominal) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Archer suffered a minor setback after a bullpen session last week, but the soreness he experienced has apparently subsided and he's ready to resume mound work. Even if Friday's bullpen is a success, however, manager Kevin Cash said the right-hander is still likely several weeks away from returning given he'll need to make multiple rehab starts.

Archer (abdomen) played catch at Tropicana Field with teammate Jake Faria (oblique) Friday and reported feeling good, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's a modest but positive step for Archer, who won't test himself off a mound again until the recent soreness he experienced after a bullpen session has completely abated. Archer's potential timeline for activation remains highly murky at present as a result of his limitations, but he'll continue throwing from flat ground at a minimum in order to keep his arm conditioned.

Archer (abdomen) downplayed the seriousness of the soreness he was feeling after his recent bullpen session, but he'll only engage in throwing from flat ground for the time being, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. "I just came away from my bullpen [session] a little more sore the next day than I would have liked," said Archer, who has been on the disabled list since June 5. "So it just tells us I need to rest a little bit longer. ...Whenever I start to throw with no soreness, then it will start to progress."

Manager Kevin Cash had deemed Archer's recent issues a "setback" on Monday, although he walked that assessment back a bit when speaking to reporters Tuesday. However, both Archer and the Rays skipper acknowledge that the right-hander is feeling too sore to work off a mound for the moment, but not enough to prevent him from keeping his arm conditioned by doing some throwing from flat ground. Cash confirmed that Archer is slated for "a couple of days off" at minimum from any bullpens, after which his condition will likely be reevaluated.

Archer (abdomen) suffered a setback Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Archer has been feeling soreness for the last two days while recovering from his abdominal strain. He was set to throw a simulated game Monday, but that plan is now on hold. The extent of his setback has not yet been made clear.

Archer (abdomen) tossed a 20-pitch bullpen Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Archer reportedly threw his fastball, slider and changeup without experiencing any pain. He's slated to throw live batting practice Tuesday, and it's possible that he could be activated from the disabled list in time for Tampa Bay's next road trip (starting June 14 against the Yankees) if all goes well, per Topkin. Another update on Archer's progress should become available following Tuesday's throwing session.