Chris Carpenter (thoracic outlet syndrome) played catch Wednesday and is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Friday. Carpenter bounced back well from a bullpen session Tuesday, which was his first since undergoing surgery in mid-July to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome. The veteran right-hander is progressing faster than expected, and he and the Cards haven't ruled out a return later this season. It still seems like a longshot, though.

Chris Carpenter (shoulder, neck) resumed his throwing program Friday. Carpenter made 50 throws of at least 120 feet as part of his recovery from surgery. His rehab is reportedly going well, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be ready to pitch next year. The Cardinals expect to know before the end of the season.

Chris Carpenter (shoulder/neck) had a light throwing session from 40-60 feet Thursday. It's the first time he's thrown since undergoing surgery in mid-July to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome. Carpenter admitted to still feeling a "mild sensation" from the procedure, which shouldn't be a surprise or something to worry about. The veteran righty is hoping to know by the end of the season whether the surgery worked and he'll be ready to pitch next year.

Chris Carpenter underwent surgery Thursday in Dallas to correct his thoracic outlet syndrome. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said doctors were "pleased" with the initial results of the procedure. Carpenter is aiming to get back near 100 percent health by the start of spring training next February, but he's 37 years old and might not recover so quickly. The veteran right-hander did not throw a pitch this season. He led St. Louis to its 11th World Series title in 2011.

Chris Carpenter is scheduled to have surgery Thursday in Dallas to correct his thoracic outlet syndrome. The procedure will knock him out for the remainder of the 2012 campaign and the subsequent rehab could linger into the start of spring training next February. But Carpenter signed a two-year, $21 million contract extension with the Cardinals last September and is fully expected to pitch in 2013. He will turn 38 years old next April.

Chris Carpenter will undergo surgery for his thoracic outlet syndrome and is done for the rest of 2012. It's a tough blow to the Cardinals, who signed Carpenter to a two-year, $21 million contract extension last September. The 37-year-old right-hander did not throw a pitch in 2012 and will carry a load of question marks into spring training next February. St. Louis should be very active at this year's July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, on Monday the Cardinals and Chris Carpenter (shoulder) discussed a second shutdown and possible season-ending surgery. The Cardinals cancelled Carpenter's scheduled bullpen session on Monday and while they have yet to announce the reason for the change, it certainly sounds ominous. The veteran right-hander was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome on Thursday, but he hoped to delay surgery until the offseason. However, after experiencing continued weakness in his recent throwing sessions, he may have no other choice.

Chris Carpenter (shoulder) did not throw a scheduled bullpen session Monday. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Carpenter simply wanted one more day of rest. However, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com suspects there might be more to the story, noting that the right-hander was nowhere to be seen in the clubhouse or on the field. Langosch was told by a Cards official that Carp's status will be addressed Tuesday.

Cardinals GM John Mozeliak confirmed surgery remains an option for Chris Carpenter (shoulder). "Right now, as we see it, he's just going to try and keep throwing and see if he can pitch through it," Mozeliak said. "In a perfect world we would address (the condition) this offseason. As far as the probability of what we can expect from him this year, I think it's a little too early to tell." Carpenter was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome on Thursday, and the Cardinals plan to redefine his status early next week. He's scheduled to continue his throwing program either Sunday or Monday.

Chris Carpenter was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. The determination was made after Carpenter traveled to Dallas, Texas on Thursday to visit Dr. Gregory Pearl, a specialist in thoracic outlet syndrome. Symptoms of the condition include pain in the neck and shoulder and a weak grip. The 36-year-old right-hander threw a bullpen session Friday and fully intends to pitch through the condition, but Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak confirmed that he will likely require a procedure during the offseason.