Cardinals activated RHP Chris Carpenter from the 60-day disabled list. He'll make his season debut Friday at Wrigley Field. Carpenter was supposed to be done for the season after undergoing surgery to relieve thoracic outlet syndrome in July, but he's made a rapid recovery and will make three starts down the stretch for the Cards during their playoff push. The team is expected to allow the veteran righty to throw 90-100 pitches against the Cubs.

Chris Carpenter (neck, shoulder) will make his 2012 debut Friday against the Cubs.

Chris Carpenter (neck, shoulder) played catch Sunday and said his arm felt good. The Cardinals will announce after Sunday's game their rotation plans for the upcoming series against the Astros. Barring a surprise, Carpenter is expected to be named Thursday's starter. He would be preceded by Kyle Lohse and Lance Lynn.

Chris Carpenter (neck, shoulder) was very encouraged with the results of his 95-pitch simulated game on Saturday. The Cardinals will see how he responds the next two days before announcing their rotation plans, but it's looking increasingly likely that he'll return to the Cardinals rotation this week. He should make three starts down the stretch run for the Cardinals and is instantly worthy of a pickup in all mixed leagues.

Chris Carpenter (neck, shoulder) is expected to make his season debut for the Cardinals next week. That's assuming, of course, that Saturday's 90-pitch simulated game goes off without a hitch. What day Carpenter will debut is still up in the air, but if he gets the ball on regular rest after his simulated game, he'll face the Astros on Thursday at Busch Stadium. It had been assumed the veteran right-hander would be lost for the season after he had surgery in July to alleviate the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome, but he's progressed much quicker than anticipated.

Chris Carpenter (neck, shoulder) threw about 70 pitches in a four-inning simulated game Monday in San Diego. Carpenter is in the process of building up his arm strength following surgery in July to alleviate the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. The veteran right-hander will likely throw another simulated game before the Cards decide whether he's ready to make a start. He's well worth stashing in DL spot in most fantasy leagues.

Chris Carpenter (neck, shoulder) is a possibility to replace Jake Westbrook in the Cardinals' starting rotation. Carpenter is scheduled to throw a five-inning simulated game Monday, so he isn't a realistic option for Westbrook's next start. If Westbrook requires an extended absence, Carpenter will be considered over Shelby Miller, Trevor Rosenthal and Lance Lynn.

Chris Carpenter (neck, shoulder) threw a side session Friday without incident. It was his first mound session since throwing 50 pitches on Tuesday. The next step calls for Carpenter to throw 60-70 pitches Monday in his first of two simulated games during the team's upcoming seven-game road trip. The veteran right-hander is aiming to return before the end of the regular season.

Chris Carpenter (neck, shoulder) is scheduled to face live hitters on Tuesday at Busch Stadium. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak told reporters on Monday that there's a "realistic" chance Carpenter could return to the starting rotation this season. It's quite a turnaround for the veteran right-hander, who was basically ruled out for the year when he underwent surgery to alleviate the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome back in mid-July. He hasn't thrown a pitch in a major league game since the 2011 World Series.

Chris Carpenter threw two simulated innings of live batting practice on Friday It was his first time facing live hitters since undergoing surgery in mid-July to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome. While it was assumed that the surgery would end his season, Carpenter hasn't ruled out the possibility of returning in September. "Like I said all along, I'm not just going to sit around and waste the month," said Carpenter. "If I have a shot, why not push it? Today was that step and it felt good. We'll see what happens tomorrow."