updated 10:19 p.m. ET Aug. 31, 2007

ST. LOUIS - Mark Mulder could rejoin the St. Louis Cardinals’ rotation next week, a little more than one year after shoulder surgery.

The left-hander, coming back from an operation last Sept. 13 to repair a torn rotator cuff, worked five innings in his fourth rehab start on Friday night. Pitching for Triple-A Memphis, he allowed two runs on three hits with four strikeouts and a walk against Nashville, the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate.

The only damage to Mulder, who threw 65 pitches, was a two-run homer by Mike Rivera in the second inning.

St. Louis, 2½ games back in the NL Central going into Friday night, is in the midst of playing its final 35 games in a 34-day stretch with no days off. Using six starters would allow the team to give some extra rest to fatigued pitchers like Adam Wainwright and Braden Looper, a pair of converted relievers.

Mulder could be slotted in Wednesday or Thursday at home against the Pirates.

“There’s a possibility if he keeps moving forward, he could pitch in that Pittsburgh series,” Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. “He’s not here yet, so let’s let him take his assignment, because he may need another one. I don’t want to put any pressure on him.”

The 30-year-old Mulder threw about 60 pitches in his third rehab start, and La Russa said the plan called for him to increase to 75-80 on Friday.

Mulder was 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA in 17 starts last year and had two stints on the disabled list. He was a 21-game winner for Oakland in 2001 and was 16-8 with a 3.64 ERA in 2005, his first year with the Cardinals.

More news

Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images

Who deserves some early awards?

DeMarco: David Wright's hot bat — he's hitting .405 — makes him the pick for NL MVP thus far. But that's just for starters in our feature.

Pujols homers, Angels rally past Mariners

SEATTLE (AP) - Pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick broke a tie in the top of the ninth inning with a two-run single off Seattle closer Brandon League, and the Los Angeles Angels rallied from a 4-0 deficit for a 6-4 win over the Mariners on Friday night.

Headlines

• Label

Pirates blank Cubs for 10th straight loss

Joyce, Rays slam Red Sox  |  HBT: Benches clear

Nats handle Braves, extend NL East lead

Rangers crush Jays behind Cruz's 8 RBI

Yankees homer past Athletics, 6-3

White Sox stay hot as Dunn hits 15th HR

Stanton 1st player to hit Marlins' sculpture

HBT: Hamilton homers for first time since May 12