THE WAITING GAME

What injured pitchers are worth waiting for?

by Stephania Bell

DON'T LET YOUR desperation for pitching help lead you in the direction of these mending stars.

CHRIS CARPENTER, CARDINALS
Attempting a comeback from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, he's now thrown breaking pitches and live batting practice. But while he's on track to return by August, it's been just 10 months since his procedure, so temper expectations until 2009.

MARK PRIOR, PADRES
He was originally set to return by June 1 following surgery in April 2007 to address a torn labrum and an ailing rotator cuff. But Prior went to see the vaunted Dr. James Andrews earlier this month after experiencing pain during a throwing session. His agent says Prior will take a few weeks off from throwing, putting his return date into question.

MARK MULDER, CARDINALS
The lefty's shoulder surgery in September 2007 was his second in two seasons, and he recently experienced fatigue in his rotator cuff during a minor league outing. He still believes he'll return by the All-Star break, but you should give him a few extra weeks.

JASON SCHMIDT, DODGERS
The 35-year-old has made slow and uncertain progress back to the bigs after June 2007 surgery for a frayed biceps tendon and torn labrum. He's targeting an early June return, but keep in mind this was the second surgery on a not-so-young shoulder.

CURT SCHILLING, RED SOX
The decision about how to manage his ailing biceps tendon this spring played out like a soap opera, with Schilling's personal physician at odds with team docs. The vet opted against surgery and is back to playing catch, but he's still a far ways from hurling off the mound. Consider him a risky bet to pitch at all in 2008.

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