Garcia, Motte to continue rehab work in Florida

JUPITER, Fla. -- Jaime Garcia and Jason Motte, both of whom will begin the season on the disabled list, plan to stay at the Cardinals' Florida complex to continue their rehab work as the club heads north for the start of the regular season.

Garcia only recently resumed throwing following a month-long shutdown due to bursitis in his left shoulder. He won't be ready to rejoin the Cardinals until, at the earliest, May.

Motte is further along in his program and is scheduled to face hitters again on Saturday. Motte indicated that he would throw those pitches in a Minor League game, though manager Mike Matheny said a simulated game would be a sufficient setting.

Asked if Motte could be ready to come off the DL by the end of April, Matheny said he is "still cautious to put that time frame."

"I just think we'll know each time he throws and how he responds as we get a little closer," Matheny added. "But I don't think anyone is in position now to say this is the date that we're shooting for. He keeps ramping up the intensity and keeps ramping up how long he's throwing the pitches. He keeps getting closer."

Motte is making plans to travel to St. Louis to take part in the home opener festivities and an April 10 charity event related to the "Homers for Health, Ks for Kids" initiative with which he is involved. "I really would like to be there for that," he said.

Motte will also be sent out for a Minor League rehab assignment before he's cleared to return to the 25-man roster.