Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes threw about 50 pitches in a simulated inning on Wednesday as he makes strides towards his return. He threw to New York pitching coach Larry Rothschild. "The progression is going better this time than it went last time for sure," manager Joe Girardi said. He is scheduled to face batters in live batting practice on Saturday in Anaheim, which he hopes is the final step before going on a minor-league rehab assignment. "If I feel good after that, I'll certainly encourage going on an assignment somewhere," Hughes said. Hughes has been on the disabled list since April 15 with right-shoulder inflammation.