Cardinals starting righthander Kyle Lohse took a significant step Saturday afternoon in his return from the arm surgery he had in May, as he completed a 50-pitch bullpen session.
The appearance represented Lohse's first throws from a mound since he left a May 22 start against the Los Angeles Angels with increased discomfort in the right forearm. Lohse, who missed much of last season with forearm-related issues, was diagnosed with exertional compartment syndrome and required surgery on a muscle sheath to allow room for the muscle to expand.
"It felt awesome to get out there and let it go," Lohse said. "Maybe it wasn't sinking as much as normal but it was coming out good and I wasn't worried about the arm at all."
Lohse has remained optimistic about his return since beginning a throwing program in June. The club believes it possible for him to return to the rotation sometime next month, barring a setback.
"I've been finishing all my throws. I'm trying to simulate windups and stuff. It didn't take too long to get back in the groove," Lohse said. "It's just like normal. You're going to be out of whack in a regular bullpen, too."
Lohse described the session as "kind of a mix between my regular bullpen and a warmup." He didn't attempt to throw with maximum effort and hopes to perform a follow-up session early this week.
"Today was a good step to see how it feels. I'd have good days like that before but this should've taken care of the problem, so I'm not expecting any weird things to happen from here on out," he said.
Because Lohse's surgery was rare among major-league pitchers, little was known about a timetable for his return. The Cardinals initially believed his return this season as uncertain. However, general manager John Mozeliak said Thursday that he believes Lohse closer to pitching than Brad Penny.
Penny remains out with an upper back muscle strain that forced him from a start the night before Lohse's breakdown. Penny has not thrown since his rehab was halted after a game simulation was halted July 6 in Colorado.
Franklin Wants More Work
Closer Ryan Franklin's appearance in Friday's 8-4 blowout was more than coincidence. Franklin has asked to receive more work in the second half than in the first.
"I'd like to get in there more often. If you look at my track record, that's how I am when I'm most effective," Franklin said. "I know my role. I like it. But there are ways for me to stay sharp when I don't have regular chances."
The Cardinals entered the season committed to checking Franklin's workload due to his abrupt late fades the last two seasons. But the team's sluggish offensive first half has limited Franklin to 18 save chances. He appeared on back-to-back days six times in the first half, and only for the second such instance Saturday after June 5-6.
"I know there's a line between being rested and staying sharp," Franklin said. "I've always wanted the ball. I like to pitch. I don't strike a ton of guys out, so it's important for me to hit my spots. The best way for me to stay sharp is to work."
Franklin's frustration crested after he allowed six runs in the Cardinals' 12-9 meltdown loss July 6 against the Colorado Rockies. Franklin entered a 9-4 situation having thrown seven pitches the previous 10 days.
Franklin said he would gladly appear when the team is behind if it meant maintaining an edge for save situations. Franklin has appeared on less than three days' rest only once since June 19 and has one save since June 26. He entered Saturday on pace for 58 appearances after making 62 during his 38-save 2009 season. Last season's appearance total would have been greater had the Cardinals not backed him off for much of September.
Et Cetera
La Russa gave Colby Rasmus Saturday's start in center field after Rasmus experienced mild stiffness in his right hamstring Friday night. The condition was not as severe as what sidelined Rasmus for two games in Houston last weekend. La Russa was prepared to start Jon Jay in center field and Randy Winn in right before a conversation with the player convinced him Rasmus could go. Jay started in right field. ... Jay's 12-game hitting streak ended with an 0-for-three before he left the game as part of a double switch. ... Wainwright extended a major league record to 25 home starts of at least six innings with three earned runs or less. ... Franklin leads the National League in save percentage (94.4 percent) but ranks in a 10th-place tie in saves. ... Many celebrities roamed Busch Stadium Saturday. Former NFL head coach Tony Dungy was a keynote speaker at Christian Family Day postgame ceremonies. He insisted during a brief appearance in the press box that he has not yet felt a pull to return to coaching. Dungy met La Russa before the game and spoke at length with first baseman Albert Pujols about their shared faith. ... Tennis star Anna Kournikova, a member of the St. Louis Aces of World TeamTennis, threw out the first pitch. Shortstop Brendan Ryan gladly received. ...… Best-selling author Vince Flynn, toured the clubhouse and was on field before the game.
