St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter was shut down early in 2012 with neck, arm and shoulder issues, and on July 19 he underwent surgery that was supposed to end his season. Two months later, Carpenter is a simulated game away from returning to the major leagues.

If the 37-year old doesn't experience any issues when he throws, he'll be set to return to the Cardinals rotation early next week. That timetable could see him make three starts during the crucial month of September, as the Cards push for the postseason..

Carpenter and the Cardinals would have one of the two National League wild card spots if the season ended today. They defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers Thursday night, and that victory game them a 2-game cushion on the final spot in the post-season.

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