Cramp subsiding, Bourjos nearing return

JUPITER, Fla. -- Peter Bourjos said that the cramp in his right leg "has loosened up," leaving the center fielder optimistic that he could return to Grapefruit League play as early as Friday.

Bourjos, who has not played since Sunday, stayed back at the Cardinals' complex on Thursday while most position players made the trip across the state to Fort Myers. Back in Jupiter, Bourjos participated in a full morning workout program. That included conditioning work, fielding and hitting.

Bourjos opened spring play 2-for-5 with two runs scored. He still has plenty of time to log a sufficient number of at-bats to get ready for the regular season. The Cardinals are using the spring to evaluate how they plan to divvy up center-field playing time for Bourjos and Jon Jay at the start of the season.