Samardzija (shoulder) will throw a five-inning simulated game at the alternate training site Thursday, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander completed a four-inning sim game last week with strong results, and he'll continue building up his workload Thursday. The availability of Kevin Gausman (elbow) could determine whether Samardzija works as a starter or reliever upon his return from the injured list.