Pedro gradually coming back

Pedro Martinez threw a 60-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday, his second since going to a Chicago hospital on Friday complaining of a high fever. His recovery schedule has been to rest two days between each bullpen session.

The right-hander reported being “a little sore” on Thursday.

“He was sharp,” pitching coach Rick Peterson said of Martinez’s performance. “He was Pedro.”

Martinez is scheduled to throw 60-80 pitches in a simulated game on Saturday. If all goes well, he could start in Atlanta on July 28 or 29.

“Rick has a schedule,” Martinez said. “[I'm] just sitting down and doing what I have to do.