After a full-speed workout Monday afternoon at Busch Stadium, Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick received clearance to go south and work his way back.
Ludwick will join the Cardinals' Class AAA affiliate in Memphis tonight to begin a minor-league rehab assignment, a Cardinals official confirmed. Ludwick said if his rehab work goes well he could rejoin the major-league team as early as this weekend and be activated for the series at Wrigley Field.
"I'm ready to go," Ludwick said. "I'm feeling really good with things. I'm able to do all the stuff I need to. I'm ready to get back and get things going."
Ludwick has been sidelined by a calf strain since June 25, a few days after he injured his leg tracking a fly ball in Toronto. Ludwick was earmarked for a return in early July before a mishap on a treadmill aggravated the injury and forced him onto the disabled list.
The Cardinals' right fielder and former Silver Slugger winner is batting .273 with 11 homers and 42 RBIs this season. He said he could use two or three games with the Class AAA team to regain his timing at the plate.
"He ought to play (in Memphis) until he feels good," manager Tony La Russa said.
LOHSE TO FACE HITTERS
Kyle Lohse completed a 47-pitch bullpen session Monday and said he will advance to face hitters Wednesday if his surgically repaired arm recovers well from his second workout in three days.
MOYER HOSTS CAMP KIDS
Philadelphia Phillies lefty Jamie Moyer hosted 15 St. Louis-area teenagers from Camp Erin at Monday's game. The teens were having a reunion with campers they met last month. Camp Erin is supported by Moyer's foundation and helps children and teens deal with the death of a sibling, parent or other loved one.
There are 36 camps in 22 states and Toronto. Moyer said the goal is to expand so that there is a Camp Erin in every major-league city.
OTTAVINO WAITS, ETC.
Reiterating the hope he expressed Sunday that he can avoid surgery, pitcher Adam Ottavino met with Dr. George Paletta during Monday's game and did not rule out seeking a third evaluation on cartilage damage in his right shoulder. A team official said a resolution on a treatment plan for Ottavino's shoulder is not expected until today at the earliest. "I believe rehab is an option," Ottavino said. "We just want to make sure it's the right option." ... Outfielder Matt Holliday received a day off Monday after Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina had Sunday off. ... The Cardinals promoted Fernando Salas to the major-league bullpen Monday afternoon, and he was in uniform for that night's game. To make room, the team optioned Evan MacLane to Class AAA Memphis, where he'll rejoin the rotation. ... St. Louis native and Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard was named the NL's player of the week for hitting .400 with four homers in four games.
RYAN GETS ENCORE
La Russa said it was more Brendan Ryan's play than Tyler Greene's inability to play that put Ryan back in the lineup at shortstop Monday. Ryan walked twice and had a pivotal sacrifice bunt off flamethrower Jonathan Broxton in Sunday's ninth-inning rally. Greene has a deep bone bruise in his right hand after being hit a by a pitch Saturday. La Russa expected him to be available to hit if needed Monday. Added the manager: "More than anything, Brendan has earned the start."
