Pedro Martinez continued to make progress in the rehabilitation of his strained left hamstring Friday with a 60-pitch bullpen session that included facing hitters.

"We're very encouraged by his progress," general manager Omar Minaya said. "He probably still needs to throw some (bullpen sessions) and then probably go into some (pitcher fielding practice sessions) as far as fielding bunts."

After that step, Martinez would then be cleared for a simulated game.

"He's not at that point yet," Minaya said. "But he's definitely at the point of being on the mound and throwing all his pitches."

REDS AT METS, PPD: The Cincinnati-New York game was rained out. The game will be played Saturday at 7:30 p.m. as part of a day-night doubleheader.

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