Akinori Otsuka (forearm) threw off flat ground Tuesday, but remains unlikely to return before September.
Pitching coach Mark Connor said there's still hope that Otsuka will pitch again this season.
"I sure hope he comes back," Connor said.
"For him, it's about his confidence and showing people he's healthy going into the off-season."
Connor said Otsuka will have to throw at 100 percent off flat ground before going to a mound.
Then he'll need a few bullpen sessions, a simulated game or two and then rehab outings before returning.
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