Molina on track in recovery, but no timetable

ST. LOUIS -- Manager Mike Matheny said Friday that catcher Yadier Molina is progressing well in his rehab back from a sprained right knee. Molina threw a few days ago and hit in the cage for the first time Friday afternoon.

Molina is eligible to come off the disabled list next Thursday, although there is no timetable for his return. Matheny said he has been going through an intensive running program with trainers.

"I think he's just gong to get kind of ramped up every day," Matheny said. "It looks like he's answering every question we're giving him."

Matheny also said Shelby Miller and Carlos Martinez, who each exited the past two games early with injuries, are recovering as expected. Martinez's right hand cramping was simply the result of dehydration, which was likely thrown off with his unusual travel schedule, Matheny said. Triple-A Memphis had just arrived in Reno, Nev., on Wednesday night when Martinez and reliever Sam Freeman were called back to St. Louis.

"Gotta be pretty intentional about staying hydrated around here," Matheny said. "It hasn't been that hot, but the humidity still takes it from you."

Miller is likely to start early next week, but the Cardinals haven't announced plans for the rotation beyond Tuesday.