Astros reliever Brad Lidge threw 28 pitches during a simulated game Monday afternoon on the mound at Minute Maid Park and reported no problems with the strained oblique muscle that has had him on the disabled list since June 16. "It was good for me to get out there and let the ball go and to (not) have any pain in there," Lidge said. "It was huge for me to face hitters and let it go and not think about it." Lidge said he could be activated as early as Wednesday if he feels fine today.