UPDATE: (4/22) 12:12pm (EST) - As per Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the timetable for Mulder’s return has been pushed back. Originally, the Cards were hoping to activate him after only three rehab starts, but now it seems like he may get up to 10 rehab starts before facing major-league hitting.

Apr 21, 9:50am (EST) - According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mark Mulder has looked very good recently while continuing his re-hab from shoulder surgery while in AA-Springfield. Mulder most recently threw 6 shut-out innings against Tulsa. He threw 76 pitches, while striking out 1 batter, walking 3, and allowing 3 hits. Another step in the right direction for Mulder. His velocity has improved, and was primarily between 87-90 MPH during the start. Mulder will make a least a few more minor league starts before moving to the next phase, as he is trying to get sharper and build up his arm strength all while getting back into a routine.

Tony Larusa said of Mulder, “He’s still got a long way to go”. He would not comment on what would happen to the rotation once Mulder is set to return. The Cardinals are also cautiously optimistic about the possible return of staff ace Chris Carpenter (sometime shortly after the All-Star break, barring set-backs) and Matt Clement.

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