Wainwright, who experienced discomfort on the outside of his throwing arm during last Friday's start against the Braves, played catch on flat ground without issue Tuesday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander put to rest any fears he and the team may have had by getting through his session without any problems. With 12 wins, Wainwright remains on pace for his best victory total since his second 20-win season back in 2014, and he'll look to get one step closer when he takes the mound against the Pirates on Thursday.

Wainwright (12-5) allowed one run on four hits and three walks and earned the win despite failing to strike out a batter Friday night against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

This was the first time Wainwright failed to record a strikeout all season, including a 1.2-inning disaster against Baltimore on June 17 in which he allowed seven hits and nine runs. Still, Wainwright was shifty enough to get the job done and keep the Cardinals in front. He has just one strikeout over eight innings since returning from the disabled list this week, though, and that inability to miss bats will cost him against some of the league's more powerful lineups.

Wainwright allowed three runs on four hits and five walks across three innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Reds. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first start since Jul. 22 because of a back injury, Wainwright struggled to maintain his release point. He threw first-pitch strikes to 12 of 17 batters and threw a respectable 60 percent of his pitches for strikes, but the five free passes were his highest total since April of 2016. Wainwright perhaps could've gone deeper into the game, but he worked up to 88 pitches over his short outing and was already staked to a lead before exiting. The veteran will look to provide a steadier performance Friday against the Braves.

Wainwright (back) was activated from the disabled list Sunday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, "Waino" will return from the DL in order to start Sunday's game against the Reds. He'll face off with the oft-injured right-hander Homer Bailey in the series finale.

Wainwright (back) will start Sunday against the Reds, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Had Wainwright stayed on his original schedule, he likely would've started Monday against the Royals, but the Cardinals will activate him in order to close out the series in Cincinnati. He'll take on right-hander Homer Bailey in the series finale, bumping Carlos Martinez to Monday's game in KC.

Wainwright (back) could return to the rotation against the Reds this weekend, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals appear hopeful that Wainwright will be able to return this weekend, while the right-hander has already stated that he's "ready to go." Even if Wainwright ends up getting a few more days off instead of pitching this weekend, he should be penciled into Monday's start against the Royals. With a fluid situation such as this, there will likely be more information within the next 24 hours.

Wainwright (back) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and said he's ready to go to pitch again, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wainwright wasn't far enough along in his recovery process to start Wednesday against the Brewers, although Monday's start in Kansas City is looking more and more realistic. However, the Cardinals aren't saying exactly when he'll return from the DL, but an exact date should come forth as his scheduled turn nears.

Wainwright (back) threw off flat ground Tuesday but will not be ready to start Wednesday's contest with the Brewers, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran hurler was hoping to gear up for Wednesday's start, but the Cardinals will instead hold him back a bit to reduce the risk of re-injury. Luke Weaver will start in his place Wednesday, but look for Wainwright to try to return for Monday's series opener with the Royals.

Wainwright (back) will throw a bullpen session at Busch Stadium on Monday, the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals have let Wainwright know that he'd have to throw a pain-free side session off a mound before they'd consider activating him from the 10-day disabled list. As such, the veteran right-hander will attempt to accomplish the feat during the Cardinals' off day, although manager Mike Matheny is still having Luke Weaver prepare as if he'll be the Wednesday starter against the Brewers for the time being.

Wainwright (back) could miss just one start after being placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday, Alaina Getezenberg of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals have already ruled out the veteran starter for this weekend's series against the D-Backs, but manager Mike Matheny remains optimistic he'll be back in time for next week's series with Milwaukee. "We knew [the injury] was kind of there, through we might be getting ahead and it's tightening up on him," the skipper said. Luke Weaver is expected to be recalled to take Wainwright's temporarily-vacant spot in the rotation.