Carpenter visits clubhouse two days after surgery

ST. LOUIS -- Chris Carpenter returned to the St. Louis Cardinals clubhouse Thursday to visit with his teammates two days after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Team physician Dr. George Paletta repaired the ulnar collateral ligament in Carpenter's right elbow Tuesday in St. Louis.

"Everything went good," Carpenter said. "The good thing is that it's done and we got it early. Hopefully, I can be back and play next year."

The operation usually requires 10-to-12 months of rehabilitation before a pitcher can return to action.

The surgery ended a frustrating year for Carpenter, the 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner, whose only appearance was his Opening Day start, a 6-1 loss to the New York Mets.

-- AP