Carpenter throws off mound with no trouble

PITTSBURGH -- Chris Carpenter has thrown off a mound for the first time since straining a muscle in his left ribcage, and the St. Louis Cardinals hope he can return to the rotation soon.

Carpenter reported no problems after throwing in the bullpen at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Carpenter hurt himself April 14. He is scheduled for another throwing session Friday in St. Louis. If all goes well, the Cardinals hope he can start as early as May 23.

The 2005 NL Cy Young winner hasn't allowed an earned run through 10 innings in two starts this season. He has been on the disabled list eight times since 1999, making only four appearances last season following reconstructive elbow surgery.

-- AP