Cards' Carpenter could return next week
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter is preparing to return to a major-league mound next week.
So much for the idea that the right-hander was lost for the season.
Assuming no setbacks occur during a scheduled 90-pitch simulated game on Saturday, Carpenter could be ready as early as Thursday against the Astros at Busch Stadium.
Carpenter, 37, had surgery July 19 to alleviate the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome, but has progressed quicker than expected.
"Gotta love surprises," general manager John Mozeliak told MLB.com earlier this week.
Carpenter logged 273 1/3 innings during St. Louis's 2011 World Series Championship season. Before he could ramp up during spring training, he was shut down with numbness and weakness in his shoulder, arm and neck.
After resting for three months, Carpenter's short-lived return led to a visit to a specialist, who recommended surgery.
Carpenter could join Adam Wainwright at the top of a rotation that had posted a 5.91 ERA from Aug. 24 through Sept. 10. The team has gone 7-12 during that span, as they look to secure one of the two National League wild-card slots.
"I think everybody that knows Chris Carpenter and has been around him and knows how competitive he is, knows he will bring some excitement to the club," Mozeliak said. "I think anybody who has ever been on the DL knows that contributing as a cheerleader is hard. The most respected players in the game carry some weight. But being active and being a live contributor just adds to your credibility."
