Garcia, Motte have good rehab outings

WASHINGTON -- Jaime Garcia threw two scoreless innings and Jason Motte one during an extended spring training game on Saturday. Both players have remained in Jupiter, Fla., after Spring Training to continue their respective rehab programs.

For Garcia, this marked his first game appearance since May 17, 2013. He underwent season-ending surgery soon after that outing and had a setback to his throwing program in February that precluded him from appearing in any Grapefruit League games. After recovering from bursitis in his left shoulder this spring, Garcia resumed throwing off the mound in late March and pitched in a simulated game setting earlier this week.

Facing Mets hitters on Saturday, Garcia allowed one hit, did not walk a batter and struck out three over two innings.

Motte has been pitching in extended spring training games for a few weeks now, but Saturday's appearance marked his first with only a day of rest between outings. He allowed one hit in his inning of work on Saturday.

Motte, who is 11 months removed from Tommy John surgery, should soon be cleared to begin a Minor League rehab assignment. That would allow him to face tougher competition and put him a step closer to returning to St. Louis.