Mulder, Maroth return to rotation

ST. LOUIS -- Mark Mulder will rejoin the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation for the first time in more than a year Wednesday, just in time for the stretch drive.

Manager Tony La Russa said Sunday he's not sure what to expect from the left-hander, who had rotator cuff surgery in September 2006. But he thought it was worth taking a shot with a man who had been the winningest pitcher this decade before being injured.

"He knows himself better than anybody and he's been getting better and better," La Russa said. "We're anxious to see him pitch for us."

Left-hander Mike Maroth also will return to a rotation that might need extra starters, given the Cardinals are finishing the season with 35 games in 34 days, after a successful rehab stint from elbow tendinitis. Maroth is 0-4 with an 11.08 ERA, but he'll get another chance at the expense of Anthony Reyes.

La Russa said Reyes, 2-13 with a 5.63 ERA, will be in the bullpen for the immediate future.

­-- AP