ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter is set to make his first minor league rehabilitation start next week. The former Cy Young winner pitched a three-inning simulated game on Wednesday. St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said Carpenter will start Monday for Double-A Springfield. Matheny said Carpenter will be limited to a pitch count in the “60s-range” in his first live action since making three starts during the playoffs last year.

Nerve issues have sidelined the 38-year-old Carpenter since before the start of spring training this season, and it appeared his career might be in jeopardy. Carpenter has made mostly steady progress during the past two months in his comeback attempt. On Wednesday, he faced teammates Shane Robinson, Pete Kozma and Rob Johnson in the simulated game.