Pirates general manager Neal Huntington reiterated Monday that Wandy Rodriguez (elbow) remains on track for spring training.

Rodriguez was shut down in September due to arthritis in his elbow, but didn't require surgery. Huntington said that he's in the early stages of his throwing program, but feels good. The 34-year-old exercised a $13 million player option following the season and should be a part of the Pirates' rotation in 2014 if healthy.

Pirates LHP Wandy Rodriguez exercised his $13 million option for 2014.

If Rodriguez ended the season healthy, he likely would have declined the option and looked for a multi-year deal. As it is, with him ending the year with elbow and forearm problems, it makes sense for him to take the guaranteed money. The Pirates expect him to be healthy for spring training.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday that he expects Wandy Rodriguez (elbow, forearm) to be ready for the start of spring training.

The Pirates decided on Saturday to shut Rodriguez down for the season, but they think he'll be fine after some rest and rehab over the winter. The lefty holds a $13 million player option for 2014 that he says he's unsure about exercising, but ultimately he seems likely to do so.

The Pirates have shut down Wandy Rodriguez (elbow, forearm) for the remainder of the 2013 season.

It sounds as though Rodriguez's injured arm didn't respond well after throwing 67 pitches in a simulated game on Thursday. It's a tough break for the Pirates, who had hoped to get him back for the stretch run as they make a push towards the postseason. The 34-year-old southpaw finishes the year 6-4 with a 3.59 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 46/12 K/BB ratio over 62 2/3 innings.

Wandy Rodriguez (elbow, forearm) threw 67 pitches in a five-inning simulated game on Thursday.

The Pirates will likely decide on Saturday whether or not to activate Rodriguez from the disabled list, depending on how his arm is feeling. The veteran left-hander has been sidelined since June 6 due to tightness in his forearm.

Wandy Rodriguez (elbow, forearm) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Thursday.

The session will take place at PNC Park and is expected to last between 65-70 pitches. Rodriguez felt soreness after his rehab start on Friday, an unfortunate setback for a hurler desperately trying to return to a pennant race. At this point, a best-case scenario would involve a return to the bullpen later this month. Rodriguez has a $13 million player option for 2014, with the Pirates being responsible for $7.5 million of that total.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said that Wandy Rodriguez (elbow, forearm) felt "a little sore" after his rehab start Friday.

The Pirates will wait to see how he feels on Sunday before determining the next step for the left-hander. It's possible he could make another rehab start if he feels up to it. Rodriguez could be activated this month, but he almost surely won't be used as a starter.

Wandy Rodriguez (elbow, forearm) fared well during his rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in his three innings of work.

Rodriguez struck out one in the game and didn't walk a batter. He threw a total of 48 pitches, 35 of them for strikes. It's unclear what the next step in his recovery process will be, but it shouldn't be long before he returns to the Pirates rotation, which would be a big boost as they push towards the postseason.

Wandy Rodriguez (elbow, forearm) is scheduled to make a rehab start Friday with Triple-A Indianapolis.

It will be the third game of a five-game Triple-A playoff series against the Durham Bulls (Rays), so Indianapolis will be hoping for some decent results. Wandy is expected to throw around 50 pitches, or three total innings. It's not clear what the plan is after that.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said that Wandy Rodriguez (forearm, elbow) threw his best bullpen session yet on Tuesday.

"First time that he's thrown and said at the end, there's nothing there," Hurdle said. It's certainly a step in the right direction, but Rodriguez still has a ways to go. If he does make it back later this month, it figures to be as a reliever.

In addition to the pain and inflammation in his forearm, Wandy Rodriguez is also dealing with arthritis in his pitching elbow.

This news comes after a meeting with Dr. James Andrews earlier in the week. Rodriguez indicated that he will still attempt to return this season, but admitted frustration over the injuries. At this point, fantasy owners can probably cut bait.

Wandy Rodriguez (forearm) is slated to throw about 15-20 fastballs on Sunday.

If all goes well, he'll progress to a bullpen session on Tuesday, potentially clearing the way for a rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis. The veteran southpaw is still holding out hope to make it back this season, but he appears to be a longshot to make a major impact.

Wandy Rodriguez (forearm) threw short-toss on flat ground Thursday.

The session went well, but it's obviously a small step. Rodriguez has been cleared of any structural damage in his left forearm, but it's still probably a longshot that he'll rejoin the rotation later this season.

Wandy Rodriguez (forearm) may be able to begin a minor league rehab assignment in the near future.

Wandy got a positive review of his left elbow and forearm Wednesday from Dr. James Andrews. The southpaw has been experiencing discomfort in recent side sessions, but it's apparently nothing serious. Rodriguez will aim to rejoin the Pirates by the end of September.

Wandy Rodriguez will visit Dr. James Andrews next week after feeling more pain in his left forearm during a simulated game Thursday.

Rodriguez felt discomfort during a bullpen session earlier this week but decided to go forward with Thursday's sim game. Obviously, it didn't go as hoped. The left-hander's season seems likely to be over, and at this point he's probably just hoping to avoid Tommy John surgery. Rodriguez has a $13 million player option for 2014, with the Pirates being responsible for $7.5 million of that total.

Pirates transferred LHP Wandy Rodriguez from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

Rodriguez is struggling to make it back from a left forearm strain and did not feel 100 percent healthy in a bullpen session earlier this week. The Bucs would surely like to activate him in early September, but there's currently no official timetable for his return.

Wandy Rodriguez (forearm) still plans to throw a simulated game Thursday.

Rodriguez did not feel 100 percent during his bullpen session Monday, but he still plans to take the next step in his rehab process. The Pirates are hoping he'll be able to make some rehab starts before the minor league season ends, setting up a return at some point in September.

Wandy Rodriguez (forearm) is scheduled to throw a 40-pitch bullpen session Monday.

Rodriguez will mix his breaking pitches for the first time since he went on the disabled list. If the session goes well, he'll throw another simulated game Thursday. The Pirates are hoping Rodriguez will be able to make some rehab starts before the minor league season ends.

Wandy Rodriguez (forearm) threw a simulated game Friday.

Rodriguez was restricted to throwing his fastball and changeup during a bullpen session earlier this week, but he was expected to mix in his curveball on Friday. The Pirates are still hoping he'll be able to make some rehab starts before the minor league season ends, setting him up for a return around early September.

Wandy Rodriguez (forearm) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and reported feeling fine.

Wandy will progress to live batting practice this Friday. Out since June 5 with forearm tightness, he's on track to rejoin the Pirates around early September.