PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star closer Jason Grilli’s comeback from a right arm injury is picking up speed.

Grilli threw 25 pain-free pitches during a simulated game on Wednesday, a major step toward his return from an injury that blunted the momentum of a career year. Grilli has been on the disabled list since straining the right flexor tendon in his pitching arm during a 6-5 victory over Washington on July 22.

Barring a setback, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle expects Grilli to make rehabilitation appearance for Double-A Altoona on Saturday.

“My arm strength is there,” Grilli said. “People want to see if my arm strength is going to be there, it’s there.”

The righthander made the All-Star team for the first time and was second in the National League with 30 saves at the time of the injury.

“I’m going day by day,” Grilli said. “Do I think I could jump in and get some outs here? Sure, but that’s my confidence talking. I’m going to fine-tune things. I think everybody wants me back the way I was. So do I. Nobody is going to be more critical of me than me.”