PITTSBURGH - St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and right-hander Michael Wacha are ready for the next step in their return from the disabled list.
General manager John Mozeliak said Monday that Molina and Wacha will report to Double-A Springfield this week to continue their rehabilitation.
Molina has been on the disabled list since July 10 with a torn ligament in his right thumb that required surgery. Wacha has been on the DL since mid-June with a stress reaction in his right shoulder.
Wacha will throw live batting practice Wednesday with Springfield.
The Cardinals have managed to stay in the middle of the NL Central Division race without Molina and Wacha. St. Louis entered Monday night's game in Pittsburgh just 1 1/2 games behind Milwaukee.