Brian34Cook

Joel Pineiro could start a rehab assignment within a week, general manager John Mozeliak said. Pineiro remains in Florida, with the Cardinals' extended spring training teams. He's scheduled to throw Thursday and, depending how he recovers from it, could make his next start for an affiliate. Pineiro would have 30 days on his rehab assignment, though Mozeliak said he could be back in the majors in about three weeks.

Mark Mulder, recovering from his second shoulder operation in as many seasons, could make his first start of spring by the end of the week. Mulder was scheduled to throw batting practice Monday, and Mozeliak said it's not unlikely his next appearance would be in a simulated game or scrimmage with extended spring players.

SAFETY NET ADDED

The Cardinals extended the protective netting from dugout to dugout, giving all of the seats directly behind home plate at least a 5-foot shield from foul balls. The team had discussed adding the netting after Juan Encarnacion got hit with a foul ball while in the on-deck circle last season. Encarnacion sustained a serious eye injury and is unlikely to play again.

STLtoday - Cards Notes: Wells is back

News keeps getting better on the injury side of things.. Clement is like a Wild Card.. nobody knows whats gonna happen with him..

Brian34Cook

04/03/2008 2:55 PM ET
Mulder making progress
Veteran to pitch in extended Spring Training on Saturday
By Matthew Leach/MLB.com

ST. LOUIS -- Mark Mulder is scheduled to take another step forward in his rehabilitation.

Mulder, who has been throwing to hitters since March 22, will pitch in an extended Spring Training game on Saturday. It will be his first game appearance of any kind since September of last season.

From here out, Mulder should be on an every-fifth-day plan. He will continue to build up in extended spring before heading out on a Minor League rehabilitation assignment.

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