Chris Carpenter Returns

It has been just over a year since Chris Carpenter last pitched a game for the St. Louis Cardinals, and today, he certainly made a statement as to whether he was having any ill affects from his surgery last year. Carpenter pitched 7 innings of one hit ball, giving up one unearned run. If anyone had reservations as to his arm strength and concern for his health, he has quieted the nay-sayers for now. Carpenter took a no-hitter into the 7th inning, and that hit just scooted under the glove of second baseman Skip Shoemaker. The season is just beginning, and a lot remains to be seen if the elbow will hold up for an entire season, but Carpenter looked awful strong today. If he pitches the rest of the year like he did today, he could be the comeback player of the year for a second year. He is such an amazing talent, and I really look forward to seeing what he can do the rest of the way. Congratulations to Chris on his successful return, pitching 7 innings, giving up 2 BB, and striking out 7.