Garcia expects to resume throwing next week

JUPITER, Fla. -- Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia said Saturday that he expects to resume his throwing program next week, but will first head to Dr. James Andrews' rehab facility in Birmingham, Ala., to get further consultation from the group of physical therapists regarding his rehab program.

Garcia had Dr. Andrews examine his left shoulder Feb. 26 after the left-hander had stopped throwing due to pain. At the time, Garcia was given a cortisone shot and assurances that there was no structural damage. He was expected to wait 10-15 days before throwing again.

Garcia will head to Birmingham on Monday, then come back to the Cardinals' Spring Training complex later in the week. He hopes to return with clearance to throw.

"We have all the faith in the world in our staff, but you always have those other opinions," manager Mike Matheny said. "We got the second opinion with Andrews there and now we're going to be able to get him with his people for a couple days, make sure he's moving forward."

Regardless when Garcia starts throwing again, he will not be ready to open the season on the Cardinals' active roster.