Another day, Westbrook passes another rehab test

SAN DIEGO -- After another pain-free, flat-ground throwing session on Monday, Jake Westbrook is hopeful that he can return to the mound on Tuesday for his first side session since being shut down due to elbow inflammation and biceps tendinitis.

Westbrook said he made 50 throws from a distance of 90 feet on Monday, shortly before the Cardinals opened up a series against the Padres at Petco Park. A day earlier, Westbrook played catch at 60 feet.

The veteran right-hander is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on Friday, though he'll need more time than that to get his arm built back up after nearly a two-week layoff. Whether he'll be sent out to make a start in the Minors before returning has not yet been decided, Westbrook said.

His turn in the rotation comes up next on Saturday, though John Gast is scheduled to pitch in Westbrook's place for a third time. Westbrook is hopeful that Saturday's start is the last one that he will have to miss.