Flaherty allowed two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out a batter over a third of an inning Friday against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty's return to action Friday certainly didn't go as planned. Although he wasn't expected to go very deep, the team was at least hoping he could cover a few innings as he wasn't able to build up to a full starter's workload during his rehab. He threw a total of 19 pitches, which included a strikeout against Rafael Ortega. Following that strikeout, Flaherty allowed a base hit to Frank Schwindel and then a two-run shot to Patrick Wisdom. He walked Ian Happ next before being pulled for Dakota Hudson. At least he's getting his feet wet again ahead of the postseason. The 25-year-old has a 3.30 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 82:25 K:BB over 76.1 innings this season and lines up for one final tune-up against the Cubs again next week.

Flaherty (shoulder) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty spent exactly a month on the injured list, but he'll return to the mound to start the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Cubs. However, the right-hander will presumably be on a pitch count in Friday's outing since he didn't have time to build up to a full starter's workload prior to his activation.

Flaherty (shoulder) will start Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty will have been sidelined exactly a month when he retakes the mound Friday, and he'll face some workload limitations since he wasn't able to build up to a full starter's workload during his rehab work. The 25-year-old will act as a pseudo-opener and is unlikely to pitch deep enough to qualify for a potential victory.

Flaherty (shoulder) could be used in an opener role during one half of Friday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty doesn't have time to build up to a true starter's workload as he recovers from the shoulder strain that has kept him out for nearly a month, but he's nearly ready to return to pitch at least an inning or two. He threw a bullpen session Tuesday, which could wind up being his final session before he returns to game action.

Flaherty (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session Tuesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

It will be the righty's third bullpen since beginning his throwing program, so a progression to facing live hitters seems likely if he avoids any setbacks. Flaherty has little chance of returning in his normal starting role this regular season, but his availability in any capacity could be huge for the Cardinals as they battle for the second wild-card spot.

Flaherty (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session Saturday, after which the Cardinals will determine the next step in his rehab, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty has been out since late August with a shoulder strain. He threw 30 pitches, all of them fastballs, in a bullpen session Thursday and appears to be ramping up quickly as he attempts to make it back before the end of the season, though he isn't expected to return as a starter.

Flaherty (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty suffered a shoulder strain in late August. He's been playing catch for the past week and will get back on a mound soon, but he isn't expected to have time to build back up to a starter's workload. He does still appear to have time to make a few appearances as a reliever if he avoids setbacks.

Flaherty (shoulder) is not expected to have time to return as a starter this season but still has time to return in a bullpen role, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty has been out for over two weeks with a strained right shoulder. He resumed playing catch Sunday and is expected to return to mound work next Thursday, but that's unlikely to leave him with enough time to build up to a starter's workload. How much the Cardinals elect to push Flaherty could depend in part on their playoff prospects. They currently sit three games behind the Padres for the second Wild Card spot.

Flaherty (shoulder) resumed playing catch Sunday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty's first throwing session apparently went well, as he'll throw again from 90 feet Monday. The right-hander still has to ramp up his intensity before he's considered to return to game action, but he's made good progress in his recovery recently.

GM Michael Girsch said Sunday that Flaherty (shoulder) is expected to begin a throwing program in the next couple days, Jim Hayes of Bally Sports Midwest reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty landed on the injured list Aug. 25 with a strained right shoulder, and he's been cleared to resume throwing after a brief shutdown period. The right-hander is already eligible to return from the 10-day IL, but he's likely to remain sidelined for at least a couple more weeks.