Howard (oblique) threw a simulated game at PNC Park on Wednesday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Howard resumed mound work last week as he continues to work his way back from a right oblique strain, and he felt good after facing hitters Wednesday. Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk didn't say how many simulated games the southpaw will participate in, but Howard's next step in his recovery will likely be a rehab assignment.