Wacha, Rosenthal close to giving ‘pen a boost

ST. LOUIS — With Michael Wacha (right shoulder stress reaction) and Trevor Rosenthal (right shoulder inflammation) having both begun mound work in recent days, the Cardinals may be only about a week away from enhancing their bullpen depth.

On Wednesday, Wacha threw his first bullpen session since being shut down on Aug. 9 due to a recurring injury within his right scapula. He threw 25 pitches in the session at moderate intensity and said he was particularly relieved by how much more extension he was able to get on his finish than he had just prior to going on the disabled list.

“I’m real happy with where I’m at,” said Wacha, who was 7-7 with a 4.45 ERA in 23 starts before the injury. “It’s a great feeling. I’ll just keep going forward and see where it goes.”

With fewer than four weeks remaining in the regular season, the Cardinals believe Wacha’s best fit will be out of the bullpen. Wacha can return quicker that way given that he won’t have to build up as much arm strength. Manager Mike Matheny indicated that Wacha may be ready to test his pitches against hitters as early as this weekend in a live batting practice session.

Rosenthal, who has thrown two …

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