Molina (thumb) is expected to rejoin the Cardinals on Friday, when they begin a four-game series with the Cubs, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports. Molina appeared in his first rehab game at Double-A Springfield on Wednesday, going 2-for-3 with a double while catching six innings. He'll be back behind the plate at Springfield on Thursday, and assuming everything goes smoothly, the Cardinals will bring him back in the fold for the final 30 games of the season. The team initially projected a eight-to-12 week recovery timetable for Molina when he torn a ligament in his right thumb July 9, but if activated Friday, he'll join the team a week earlier than anticipated.