Chris Carpenter (neck) said Monday that he is not yet ready to begin throwing but is feeling better. Carpenter was diagnosed this weekend with a bulging cervical disc. It's been causing him discomfort for over a week, and could delay his regular season debut if it leaves him stalled for much longer. Lance Lynn is being stretched out as a starter in case the 36-year-old right-hander is not where he needs to be in early April.