Director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said that Velasquez (elbow) will throw a side session Wednesday and make a rehab start later this week, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
The rehab start is expected to take place with Triple-A Indianapolis. Velasquez threw a live batting practice session without issue Monday, and the 30-year-old has made enough progress from the inflammation in his right elbow to take the final step before rejoining the Pittsburgh pitching staff. Since Velasquez has thus far missed only two weeks due to the injury, he could need just one rehab start before making his return from the 15-day injured list.