Chris Carpenter (shoulder, neck) did not feel good after his latest bullpen session so the Cardinals are backing him off his current throwing program. Carpenter was scheduled to face live hitters for the first time on Tuesday, but that's not going to happen anymore. The 38-year-old right-hander will continue throwing long toss and bullpen sessions until he feels like he's truly ready to take the next step. He has made just three starts since the start of the 2012 season (not including the playoffs) due to nerve irritation in his neck and shoulder.

Chris Carpenter (shoulder, neck) threw a successful bullpen session on Friday. The Cardinals are considering allowing Carpenter to throw to live hitters on Tuesday as the next step in his recovery. While he remains a tremendous re-injury risk, it looks like he's making tangible progress toward returning to the Cardinals' rotation. Assuming no setbacks, he could return to the mound near the end of June.

CBS Sports' Scott Miller reports that the Cardinals are hoping that Chris Carpenter (shoulder, neck) is able to join the starting rotation in late June or early July. Carpenter was originally considered unlikely to pitch this season due to a lingering nerve condition in his shoulder and neck. However, he has been encouraged by his throwing program and has suddenly progressed from an option for the bullpen to the starting rotation. The 38-year-old has already stretched himself out to 80 pitches and could begin facing live hitters next week if all goes well. The Cardinals aren't counting on anything, but his unexpected return would provide a major boost for a club which will likely be missing Jaime Garcia (shoulder) for a while.

Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Chris Carpenter is conditioning himself to be a starter. When it was initially revealed that Carpenter was going to attempt a comeback this season, the general assumption was that he would be aiming to join the St. Louis bullpen. But the veteran right-hander is stretching himself out in case a spot opens up in the Cardinals' starting rotation. The remarkable story continues.

Chris Carpenter (shoulder/neck) had another successful bullpen session on Wednesday. Carpenter will throw again Saturday, next Monday and next Thursday before the next step is determined. It's possible he'll be ready for a rehab assignment at that time. Things are moving in a positive direction for the veteran right-hander, but he still has a ways to go.

Chris Carpenter said Sunday that he was given a cortisone shot in his right hip a couple of weeks ago. The time off from pitching this spring has allowed Carpenter to heal other various lingering ailments, specifically hip and back issues. His shoulder is feeling especially strong and he is now aiming to return to the Cardinals sometime in late June or early July after initially being ruled out for the entire 2013 campaign.

Chris Carpenter (shoulder) threw over 70 pitches during a bullpen session at Busch Stadium on Friday. Carpenter threw fastballs, and mixed in breaking balls as well, during the session. He's made significant progress in recent weeks and has high hopes of joining the Cardinals' bullpen before the All-Star break. Barring any setbacks, a return in late June or early July looks like a very real possibility.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Cardinals are hoping Chris Carpenter (shoulder) will be able to rejoin the team as a reliever at some point later this season. Carpenter, currently on the 60-day DL, is still far from guaranteed to be healthy enough to contribute this year, but GM John Mozeliak thinks that a late June or early July return is possible. The 38-year-old right-hander recently resumed a throwing program, and will continue rehab with the hope of returning in a bullpen role. Carpenter has appeared in just 18 games in relief during his 16-year career.

Chris Carpenter (shoulder) told reporters on a visit to Cardinals camp Monday that he's unlikely to pitch again. "I do (want to keep playing)," Carpenter said. "I don't think I can." The 38-year-old right-hander was placed on the 60-day disabled list in February with nerve irritation in his shoulder and has already been ruled out for the entire 2013 season. But he won't announce his retirement yet so he can get the final $12.5 million that is owed to him.

Cardinals placed RHP Chris Carpenter on the 60-day disabled list with discomfort in his right shoulder and neck. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster. Carpenter still hasn't given up hope of returning, but it's highly unlikely he'll contribute this season. The soon-to-be 38-year-old is owed $12.5 million in 2013.