Maholm set to come off DL, start Thursday vs. Cards

NEW YORK -- In the month he's been away from a Major League mound, the impatience set in for Paul Maholm. He's ready to come off the disabled list and get back into the Braves' rotation.

On Thursday, he'll get his wish. The left-hander will be activated from the DL to start Atlanta's series opener in St. Louis. Mike Minor was originally scheduled to start Thursday, but the Braves have pushed him back to Tuesday against the Indians.

"It's been a month. Like I said early on, I'm not a very good DL patient," Maholm said. "I'm just looking forward to just getting back in there and competing, and obviously we've been playing well. So obviously it's been fun to watch, but it's going to be better to be a part of it."

Maholm has been on the DL with a bruised left wrist and hasn't pitched since July 20. Before going on the DL, Maholm was 9-9 with a 4.41 ERA in 20 starts.

In a rehab start for Class A Rome on Saturday night, Maholm allowed one run on four hits with no walks and six strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings.

None of the four hits, Maholm said, were hit particularly hard. He said his pitches felt good, and he was able to throw breaking balls for strikes. Although there's certainly a difference between Class A and Major League hitters, Maholm came out of the start confident since his command was there.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Bobby Cox was at the game to see Maholm pitch and gave positive reviews.

With Maholm rejoining the rotation, the Braves now find themselves with six starters. But at this point in the season, it's a good problem for Atlanta to have. With such a young rotation, Gonzalez said he can give other starters some extra rest to conserve their innings now that Maholm is healthy.

"It's really not a six-man rotation," Gonzalez said. "We're trying to use Paulie to give some other guys a little breather."

Maholm said he's pain-free and ready to pitch on a big league mound again.

"Everything's back to normal," he said.