"I think he's moved along as good as could be expected," manager Mike Matheny said. "I compliment Matt, compliment our medical team for staying the course and having a [rehab] protocol in place. I know he has a tendency to push things a little bit, and he did a nice job of just holding on and doing what he was told. It's worked out well for him."
Carpenter went 4-for-12 with a double, homer and four strikeouts with Springfield. He started three games at second base and the other at third. Carpenter is expected to move between the two positions once he rejoins the Cardinals.
In Carpenter's absence, the Cards used six different players in the leadoff spot. Re-establishing some continuity in that top spot is especially crucial now that the Cardinals have a void in the No. 2 hole due to Diaz's indefinite absence. At the time of his injury, Carpenter led the NL with a .420 on-base percentage and ranked second with a .988 OPS. He was also on pace to become the first leadoff hitter in Major League history with more than 100 RBIs in a season. (Darin Erstad drove in 100 as the Angels' leadoff hitter in 2000.)
Carpenter's return on Friday will necessitate a corresponding roster move. Matheny would not say whether the club would return to a five-man bench at that time, saying only that it would partially depend upon how much the bullpen is taxed in Thursday's series finale against the Reds.
Jenifer Langosch has covered the Cardinals for MLB.com since 2012, and previously covered the Pirates from 2007-11. Read her blog, follow her on Twitter, like her Facebook page and listen to her podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Carpenter set to return from DL on Friday
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