Cardinals starter Michael Wacha on track for September return

St. Louis Cardinals starting Michael Wacha is progressing in his efforts to get back on the mound and is on track to return in early September, reports Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Wacha underwent an MRI and CT scan on Monday to evaluate his shoulder and was set to begin a pre-throwing program Tuesday. The team hopes he can resume throwing in two weeks. 

"This is positive," said GM John Mozeliak. "This still could put him pitching for the Cardinals in early September."

Wacha made 15 starts this year before landing on the disabled list with a stress reaction in his right scapula in June. He posted a 2.79 ERA and 1.118 WHIP over 90.1 innings pitched in that stretch.

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Mozeliak stressed that the news, while encouraging, won't change the team's plans for the trade deadline. St. Louis has already been linked to Tampa Bay's David Price, perhaps the best starting option available but one who won't come at a small cost.

The Cardinals entered Tuesday at 54-45, one-half game behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.

- Aaron Somers