WASHINGTON -- The Mets announced Wednesday that Billy Wagner will make two rehab appearances to test his strained left forearm before rejoining the team next week.

Wagner will start for Double-A Binghamton on Thursday and make a relief appearance with Class A Brooklyn on Saturday. Assuming all goes as planned, manager Jerry Manuel said the Mets' closer will rejoin the team as scheduled on Sunday night, and he will be available Monday in Pittsburgh.

Manuel said Wagner will throw 15-20 pitches in his Thursday appearance.

The Mets also confirmed that second baseman Luis Castillo, away from his rehab work with Binghamton because of a personal matter, is expected back with the Mets' Double-A affiliate within the next day or so.

General manager Omar Minaya still wouldn't put a timetable on Castillo's return, saying the organization wouldn't rush a player back if they were dealing with personal matters.

Ryan Church continued "baseball activities" in Florida while recovering from post-concussion syndrome.