Nootbaar (ribs) will play four innings in a simulated game Saturday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.
Nootbaar took eight at-bats in a simulated game Friday but didn't play defense, and Cardinals manager Oli Marmol noted that the outfielder felt no pain on his swings. Nootbaar will ramp up his activity Saturday by handling outfield duties as well, and his performance will give St. Louis a better indication of when he might return to major-league action.