Flaherty didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Brewers, allowing two earned runs on four hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out eight.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander turned in his second straight encouraging performance coming off his extended injured-list stint, with solo home runs by Avisail Garcia and Willy Adames accounting for the only two runs against him. Flaherty fired 56 of 92 pitches for strikes in the outing and has a 1.50 ERA and 0.58 WHIP across the 12 innings covering his last two turns. He'll look to keep up the strong work in a likely matchup against the Tigers on Tuesday.

Flaherty (9-1) allowed two hits over six shutout innings Friday, striking out five and earning a win over Kansas City.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first appearance since May 31 after a lengthy stint on the injured list with an oblique issue, Flaherty didn't miss a beat. He gave up just two singles through six scoreless innings and never let a Royal reach scoring position. The 25-year-old righty now owns a 2.65 ERA and a 72:20 K:BB through 68 innings this season. Flaherty is projected to face the Brewers at home next week.

Flaherty (oblique) was activated from the 60-day injured list to start Friday's game against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty has been sidelined since late May by an oblique strain, and he'll officially rejoin the Cardinals' starting rotation Friday in Kansas City. The 25-year-old built up to 75 pitches during his rehab assignment, so he shouldn't face significant limitations in his return to a major-league mound. Wade LeBlanc (elbow) was placed on the 10-day IL in a corresponding move.

Flaherty (oblique) is scheduled to return from the 60-day injured list to start Friday's game in Kansas City, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Mike Shildt previously suggested Flaherty would be an option to make his return during the club's ongoing series in Pittsburgh to begin the week. After further deliberation, however, the Cardinals will reintegrate their ace into the pitching schedule this weekend in Kansas City, where he won't have to bat for himself with the designated hitter available. In his final rehab start Aug. 6 at Triple-A Memphis, Flaherty built up to 75 pitches and four innings, so he's not expected to face any significant restrictions with his workload when he makes his first appearance with the Cardinals since May 31.

Flaherty (oblique) is confident that he'll be able to rejoin the starting rotation during the upcoming series in Pittsburgh, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Mike Shildt said Friday that Flaherty is considered "probable" for the upcoming series, and the right-hander echoed his confidence by saying that he felt healthy following his last rehab start. Flaherty tossed 75 pitches at Triple-A Memphis on Friday, but he was unable to get through six innings since he gave up three runs. He tentatively lines up to rejoin the rotation Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

Flaherty (oblique) will throw about 75 pitches in a rehab outing Friday and will be activated for his next start, barring any setbacks, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing two months with a left oblique strain, Flaherty appears right on the verge of rejoining the Cardinals' rotation. The righty threw five innings combined in his first two rehab starts, allowing two earned runs and striking out eight batters.

Flaherty (oblique) allowed two earned runs on four hits, a walk and a wild pitch over three innings in Triple-A Memphis' loss to Gwinnett on Sunday. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Despite the fact the Stripers got to Flaherty for a couple of extra-base hits, the right-hander's start was encouraging overall. Flaherty worked up to 58 pitches (38 strikes), and if he's able to up his workload in his next rehab appearance without any setbacks, it's conceivable he makes a return early in the second half of August.

Flaherty (oblique) fired two scoreless innings in Triple-A Memphis' loss to Gwinnett on Tuesday, allowing a hit and recording three strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

As his line indicates, Flaherty passed his first rehab test with flying colors, throwing 21 of 31 pitches for strikes. The right-hander is likely due for at least two more appearances with the Redbirds, considering the Cardinals will likely want him built back up to the 70-to-75-pitch range before activation is considered.

Flaherty (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Memphis, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty has been out since the end of May with a strained left oblique. He'll likely need multiple rehab outings given the length of his absence. If he makes just two rehab starts, he could be back late in the first week of August, but if he needs three, he'll likely return sometime in the second week of the month. He'll be limited to 40-to-45 pitches Tuesday, per Zachary Silver of MLB.com, which suggests three rehab starts may be more likely unless the Cardinals bring him back on a pitch count after two rehab outings.

Flaherty (oblique) could begin a rehab assignment within a week, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty threw two bullpen sessions this week, and he's expected to throw another side session in the coming days. The right-hander's first rehab outing is expected to be a brief, one-inning appearance, but it's encouraging to see him close to facing live hitters.