Wainwright to help waning bullpen

The Cardinals are grooming Adam Wainwright for a return to the bullpen once he returns from a rehab assignment.

"They've pretty much told me that they are grooming me down here to pitch in the back end (of the game) up there," Wainwright said after 27 pitches and an uneven two-thirds of an inning at Autozone Park. "They've made it clear to me that I'm down here for a reason, and that's to get ready to get guys out in the last inning or two. That's what I'm doing.

"Until they call and tell me otherwise," the righthander continued, "mentally I'm preparing myself to be in the bullpen."

By the time he gets back with the team the Cardinals might be out of the race.

Fantasy Impact: Whenever he returns, Wainwright will be a candidate for an immdediate impact in saves. The Cardinals need someone to step in and own that position. It will be interesting to see if they keep him there heading into next season.