HOUSTON — With the schedule running out of games and the rotation running out of starts, the Cardinals have approached Chris Carpenter about returning to the team as a reliever, pitching coach Dave Duncan said Friday.

Carpenter threw a 60-pitch session Friday afternoon and left it saying he felt as good or better than in several of the starts he made. But with only one month to go in the regular season and the likelihood he could only squeeze two or three starts from Carpenter into the month, Duncan said he talked with Carpenter about finding a way for him to pitch more regularly and more immediately.

That could mean time in the bullpen. 

“He may not come back as a starter,” Duncan said. “It is important for him to pitch before the season ends.”

Carpenter, who is recovering from a muscle strain in his right shoulder, is open to the possibility. He’ll throw again Sunday, and that afternoon he could face hitters, manager Tony La Russa said. If all goes well on Sunday, a more direct conversation will likely take place about the role Carpenter will have upon his return.

All 97 appearances Carpenter has made with the Cardinals have been as a starter. He last pitched as a reliever in 2000 with Toronto when he made 27 starts and seven appearances in relief.

Duncan stressed it is just a topic for discussion now — “Nothing has been determined,” he said — and that Carpenter will have the most say in his role because “he has his future” as a starter to consider.  

“I want to pitch,” Carpenter said. “I want to get out there and compete.”

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