ST. LOUIS (AP) - Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter has thrown to hitters for the second time in four days as he tries to overcome a career-threatening nerve issue.
The St. Louis right-hander threw about 25 pitches to teammates Shane Robinson and Tony Cruz on Thursday. It was Carpenter's fourth outing in a possible comeback.
The former Cy Young winner hasn't pitched this season after feeling numbness in his throwing shoulder during spring training. Carpenter missed most of last year, then went 1-2 in the playoffs.
Carpenter didn't speak to the media before the Cardinals played Arizona. St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said Carpenter's pitches moved well.
Matheny said Carpenter's next step will likely be a similar session with live batters in a few days if his body feels well enough.