Mulder struggles in rehab start

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Mark Mulder gave up nine runs in his fourth rehabilitation start, an indication he's far from ready to return from September shoulder surgery.

Pitching for Class AAA Memphis, Mulder allowed nine hits -- three homers -- and seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings.

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said after Wednesday's victory over the Reds that he had seen the numbers but had not heard from club representatives who were watching the game.

"I've been saying there's no hurry for him," La Russa said. "He doesn't need to come back until he's ready."

In his previous rehab start for Class AA Springfield, he allowed four runs in five innings. After that game, Mulder blamed three first-inning walks on getting accustomed to a higher arm angle than he was able to reach in previous starts.

Mulder has been limited to 20 major league starts the last two seasons due to shoulder woes. He made only three starts last year, going 0-3 with a 12.27 ERA.

¿-- The Associated Press