ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Andy Pettitte took another step in his road back to the mound for the Yankees, throwing 16 pitches to a collection of hitters in a simulated inning before Wednesday's game against the Rays.

"It was good, man," Pettitte said. "I felt like I threw the ball well. I felt like I was pushing off full. I almost tried to make it like a game, so it was a good day."

Pettitte said he will throw another simulated inning or two in Baltimore this weekend, but the Yankees' doctors still have cleared him to run and there is still no projected timetable for his return from a fracture in his left ankle.