St. Louis Cardinals Notes, Quotes 2008-05-30

--LHP Mark Mulder has almost hit the wall. He has had two cortisone shots in the last week in hopes that his shoulder would come around, but nothing has happened. Mulder said he won't have a third surgery. Manager Tony La Russa isn't expecting Mulder to return until after the All-Star break. "He's been dealing with this for a couple of years," La Russa said. "It's pretty tough to take. This is his career."

--RHP Chris Carpenter, recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery, might be available before the All-Star break.

--2B Adam Kennedy was in the lineup Thursday night. Manager Tony La Russa took note of some things Kennedy said in the morning paper. Among them was Kennedy's statement that he would never be a regular player with the Cardinals. La Russa said, "Hasn't he had more starts (34) at second base than anybody on our club? I'm trying to understand it. I have a great respect for Adam. He's saying it for a reason, but I'm not sure I understand it."

--C Jason LaRue made a rare start Thursday on the basis of his .308 career mark against Houston RHP Roy Oswalt. He was hitless in three at-bats and dropped to .136 on the season.

--LHP Ron Villone, who retired one hitter, appeared in his 600th game, 25th among active pitchers.

--1B Albert Pujols' homer in the sixth inning was the 295th of his career.

BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Series the Cardinals lost in the first two months of the season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I can't lie. It still bothers me." -- 1B Albert Pujols, three days after hitting a line drive that broke the nose of San Diego RHP Chris Young.

Author: Fox Sports

Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com

Added: May 30, 2008