CHICAGO -- Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood threw seven pitches in one inning, and gave up one hit and struck out one Thursday in his third Minor League rehab start for the Cubs Rookie League team in Mesa, Ariz.

Wood started the Minor League game and faced four batters.

"That's probably the best stuff I've had as far as velocity, location," Wood told the Associated Press. "A couple of breaking balls I threw were really good, too."

Last Saturday, he struck out the side on 14 pitches, and on Tuesday, he threw 17 pitches over one inning as he continues his comeback from shoulder problems.

Wood will make one more start for the Rookie League team on Saturday in Mesa, and then will fly to Chicago to host his fourth annual charity fundraising bowling tournament. He planned on meeting with Cubs officials over the weekend to determine the next step in his rehab.

If all goes well, he could be ready for the big-league team by the end of July or early August.