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Kyle Lohse takes a small step to return
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
06/21/2009

KANSAS CITY — Two weeks ago Kyle Lohse couldn't twist a door knob or open his car door without pain shooting through his right forearm.

On Sunday, Lohse will attempt his first bullpen session since landing on the disabled list June 4 with a strained right flexor muscle.

Hopeful that Lohse may reappear before the All-Star break, the Cardinals have placed their No. 3 starter on a program that calls for him to throw off a mound on alternate days.


The club had projected Lohse's return as 4-6 weeks. The session Sunday represents a small step but is welcome news because of earlier uncertainty about the injury's severity.


"For a while it was hard to project anything at all," Lohse said. "I couldn't be sure how certain activities would make it feel, much less throwing a ball. That's gone now. I'm hoping there won't be any more setbacks."

Lohse is on the disabled list for the first time in his nine-year career. He plans to throw again in New York on Monday and Wednesday before sticking to the every-other-day regimen when the club returns home next weekend. After four bullpen sessions, Lohse hopes to face hitters in a controlled situation.

Manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan didn't offer a specific date for Lohse's possible return, but it would likely occur July 9 in Milwaukee or during the Cardinals' four-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field July 10-12.

Kyle Lohse takes a small step to return - STLtoday.com

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