Adam Wainwright's arm and finger, if not his mechanics, were strong enough during a simulated game Tuesday for the Cardinals to send the righthander out for a rehab start Saturday. Wainwright threw 35 pitches to teammates Nick Stavinoha and Rick Ankiel in a controlled setting at Busch Stadium. Wild at times, Wainwright also hung a slider that Ankiel crushed for a home run to deep right-center field.
He said his mechanics were rusty, not his feel for his breaking pitches. His right middle finger, which is recovering from a ruptured pulley, felt no discomfort.
"I don't think I was very sharp, but I would have gotten some outs today," Wainwright said. "I didn't have a second thought about (throwing a curve). I feel ready to go."
Wainwright is likely to pitch Saturday for the Cardinals' Class AAA Memphis team, the closest affiliate that is playing at home that evening. The righthander, who has not started since June 7, said Saturday's outing will determine if he needs one or two rehab appearances before returning.
"I guess it would depend on the results of my pitching (Saturday)," Wainwright said. "I'm not very far from being more consistent. ... I'm one or two throws from being where I need to be."
STLtoday - Notes: Wainwright update
Wainwright starts rehab Saturday
Wainwright starts rehab Saturday
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