ST. LOUIS (AP) -Chris Carpenter could return to the Cardinals’ rotation early next week after a rainout forced a reassessment of the rotation.
The 2005 NL Cy Young winner has been on the 15-day DL since April 15 with a strained left rib cage muscle. He threw four simulated innings in the bullpen Friday, along with rest breaks and warmup tosses, totaling more than 100 pitches.
Carpenter had been scheduled for another bullpen session Tuesday, but manager Tony La Russa said he’s now considering him for a start either that day or on Wednesday against the Cubs.
La Russa said Kyle Lohse, who threw 30 pitches in two innings in Friday’s postponed game, or Joel Pineiro would pitch in Monday’s makeup contest against the Brewers. Before the rainout, because of off days the Cardinals hadn’t needed a fifth starter until next weekend.
Carpenter said Friday he was ready to return.
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