Brocail itching to return

 After throwing 30 fastballs in the bullpen Saturday, right-hander Doug Brocail said Sunday he felt great and was looking forward to the next step in his rehab. Brocail has been on the disabled list since Aug. 5 with a strained right shoulder.

Brocail can come off the disabled list Thursday, but manager Cecil Cooper said he probably wouldn’t return until September. Cooper said he’d like Brocail to throw perhaps two more bullpen sessions and a simulated game before being activated.

“I don’t know what they’re thinking as far as a timetable,” Brocail said. “I know that our bullpen’s spent, so it’s one of those things. If need be, I can get a couple of more bullpen sessions in and if I’m feeling good I’ll just go at it. If I’m feeling good, I don’t feel the need to go out on rehab, but we’ll see.”