Takashi Saito

Takashi Saito aggravated his strained right calf during pitchers’ fielding practice Friday.

It will extend his stay on the DL, though it’s not clear at this point for how much longer. Saito had been targeting the end of April for a return. “And that’s when it happened, so he’s not ready to pitch here,” Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. “We’ll have to back him down, keep his arm going and try to get his calf healed. It’s not healed yet.”

Takashi Saito (calf) tossed an inning of scoreless relief Friday in his rehab assignment for High-A Visalia.

Manager Kirk Gibson said Saito will pitch again Saturday before being reevaluated. He should be back with the Diamondbacks sometime in late-April.

Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said the team would like Takashi Saito (calf) to make 1-2 rehab appearances, but they’ll have to consult with the veteran first.

“If he doesn?t want to do that, have to rethink it,” Gibson said. Because Saito has accrued enough service time, he has the option of refusing a rehab assignment. We imagine he’ll be fine with making a couple minor league appearances, though. He should be back with the D’Backs sometime within the next week or so.

Takashi Saito (calf) allowed two runs on two hits while throwing 16 pitches in an extended spring game Monday.

Saito began the season on the disabled list due to a right calf strain, but he’s making steady progress in his rehab. Barring any setbacks, he should join the D-Backs’ bullpen in a week or so.

Takashi Saito (calf) made his third appearance in an extending spring training game Sunday.

Saito, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since the start of the regular season because of a right calf strain, should be cleared to join the Diamondbacks’ bullpen in about a week. “Pitching-wise, his arm is in pretty good shape,” manager Kirk Gibson said Monday. “I worry about the calf and his ability to cover bases.”

Takashi Saito (calf) could be ready to return to the Diamondbacks’ bullpen near the beginning of their upcoming home-stand.

The 42-year-old Saito has been dominant throughout his career as long as he’s been able to remain healthy. He’ll likely slot as the 7th inning option for the Diamondbacks, protecting then turning leads over to David Hernandez and J.J. Putz.

Takashi Saito (calf) will appear in an extended spring training game Friday in Arizona.

Saito threw a successful bullpen session on Tuesday and continues to make rapid progress from his late-spring right calf strain. He should join the Diamondbacks’ already-talented bullpen by the end of April.

Takashi Saito (calf) threw from 120 feet Friday and is scheduled to throw on flat ground Sunday.

Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said Saito is feeling better, but he offered no timetable for the reliever. The veteran right-hander seems likely to be ready by late April if he doesn’t have any setbacks.

Diamondbacks placed RHP Takashi Saito on the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain.

No word yet on the severity. Saito, now 42, remains a valuable contributor when healthy, but it will be hard to rely on him to throw many innings this season. The bridge to David Hernandez and J.J. Putz is pretty shaky in Arizona.