stephenson 8/10

CARDINALS DELAY

STEPHENSON'S RETURN

Cardinals pitcher Garrett Stephenson was scratched from his scheduled start today due to a minor shoulder problem.

Stephenson, on the 60-day disabled list since May 29, instead will pitch at Triple-A Memphis. His velocity has been lower in two previous rehabilitation starts and he thinks his right shoulder is the cause.

"When my arm gets back to pitching position, it pinches right on that knot," Stephenson said Friday. "My mechanics are fine, but I've lost 5 mph on my fastball.

Manager Tony La Russa, who had said Thursday he was inserting Stephenson into the rotation. likened the ailment to spring training stiffness.

"He's just working through it," La Russa said. "I was told he was getting massages, so it's not a total surprise."

Stephenson has been on the disabled list twice this year and he has thrown just 29 2-3 innings.

Reliever Luther Hackman will start today against the New York Mets in place of Stephenson.

Stephenson may make two more rehab starts before joining the rotation.

-- AP