Izzy faces live batters, struggles with control

JUPITER, Fla. -- St. Louis Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen struggled to throw strikes Tuesday in his first live batting practice of the spring as he continues to come back from hip surgery that sidelined him during the 2006 postseason.

Isringhausen threw on a back field at Roger Dean Stadium while the Cardinals traveled to play the Orioles. He looked sharp and threw strikes while warming up.

But facing non-roster outfielders Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwig, only a few of Isringhausen's 25 pitches were strikes. The two hitters put four balls in play. On the bright side, Isringhausen was throwing hard -- both hitters broke bats hitting his fastballs.

"His location obviously wasn't there, but it's the first time in a while he's thrown," catcher Gary Bennett said.

Isringhausen had surgery in September on his hip, which had bothered him for some time. He struggled through the pain most of the season, going 4-8 with a 3.55 ERA and 33 saves, but a career-high 10 blown saves.

Pitching coach Dave Duncan was pleased with Isringhausen's effort.

"He threw the ball good," Duncan said. "He wasn't real happy with his command. I'm looking at his stuff and his delivery and I thought he kept his delivery together good and his location will come as time goes on."

The Cardinals need Isringhausen to return to the closer role so Adam Wainwright can join the rotation. Wainwright didn't give up an earned run in the postseason, and his strikeouts ended both the NLCS and World Series.

In six innings in two spring starts, Wainwright has yet to give up a hit.

Isringhausen has a franchise-record 173 saves in five seasons in St. Louis, and 249 for his career.