"Ricky Nolasco passed one critical test in his bid to pitch again this season, perhaps as early as Saturday. But he is not out of the woods just yet.

Nolasco said a 15-minute throwing session off a bullpen mound, one designed to test the torn meniscus in his right knee, went well Wednesday. Now he must wait to see if swelling results. He also must prove during drills Thursday that he can field his position.

If he clears those hurdles, he will start Saturday.

``There wasn't any pain pushing off,'' Nolasco said of the session. ``I can't help but feel good about it. At the same time, we have to wait to see how I feel [Thursday].''

Asked if he has entertained the thought, at this late stage in the season, of shutting down, Nolasco replied: ``Absolutely. If I feel any little thing, I'm just going to shut it down. . . . I'm going to be smart about it.''"