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07/25/2008 11:05 PM ET
Carpenter improves in rehab start
Right-hander allows two runs over 5 2/3 innings in Triple-A
By Matthew Leach / MLB.com
Chris Carpenter has given up two runs on five hits over 9 2/3 innings in two rehab starts. ( Charlie Riedel/AP)

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NEW YORK -- Chris Carpenter allowed more runs but improved in virtually every other facet of the game in his second Minor League rehabilitation start on Friday night.

Pitching for Triple-A Memphis against Portland at AutoZone Park, Carpenter was touched for two runs in 5 2/3 innings. By that one measure, he took a step back from his first rehab outing, when the right-hander pitched four shutout frames for Double-A Springfield last Sunday.

By any other measure, he was significantly better. Carpenter, 12 months and a day removed from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, showed much improved command this time around. After walking four batters in his debut, he issued only one free pass on Friday.

Carpenter struck out five and recorded 10 outs on the ground versus two fly-ball outs. He got 17 outs on 78 pitches, 53 for strikes.

Carpenter's next outing will almost certainly come on Wednesday, giving St. Louis a decision to make. He could get one more rehab start, but the excellent results, combined with Mitchell Boggs' struggles, could mean that Carpenter's next game will be with the Cardinals in Atlanta.

Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.