Chris Carpenter (shoulder) could be ready to throw live batting practice to teammates by this weekend. Carpenter had a third successful bullpen session Monday and will be cleared to face hitters if he can get through another pen session Wednesday without any issues. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that while Carp "prefers to downplay" the results of his throwing sessions, the early indications are "overwhelmingly positive." It's still early, but things are looking good for his return shortly after the All-Star break.