OAKLAND -- Alex Cobb, working his way back from Tommy John surgery, threw 28 pitches on Wednesday during a bullpen session at Tropicana Field. On Thursday, Rays manager Kevin Cash noted that, "Cobb went well."

So the next step for the Rays right-hander is to throw Saturday in live batting practice in Port Charlotte.

"And then we'll kind of go from there," Cash said.

Earlier this week, Cobb's rehab assignment was put on hold due to fatique and mechanical issues. Now he appears perched on returning to pitching in games if all goes well on Saturday.

When asked if Cobb could pitch in a game after Saturday's outing, Cash allowed: "I think that's fair. See how he comes in after the sim game."

Cobb's hiccup likely puts him on a path toward a mid-August return assuming all goes well.

Worth noting

• Desmond Jennings, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, is also scheduled to play in Port Charlotte on Saturday.

• Brad Boxberger threw an inning in Port Charlotte on Thursday, starting for the Stone Crabs against Brevard County. The right-hander got three outs on 10 pitches, allowing no hits or walks while striking out two.

"Velo was really good," Cash said. "Very efficient, two punchouts. So that's a real good sign. The plan would be for him to throw Saturday."

• First baseman Logan Morrison has been battling a sore right wrist, which prompted the Rays to start Tim Beckham at first base against the A's on Thursday night. Morrison was scheduled to see a doctor prior to Thursday night's game. Cash said he thought the injury was strictly inflammation and that he did not believe Morrison would be headed for the DL.