Motte's rehab assignment to wait til next month

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals do not plan to send rehabbing right-hander Jason Motte out on a Minor League rehab assignment until next month, general manager John Mozeliak said, and until then will have him continue to make appearances in extended spring training games.

Mozeliak downplayed the urgency to have Motte, who is 11-plus months removed from Tommy John surgery, face increased competition by starting that rehab clock (maximum of 30 days) and sending him out to pitch for an affiliate. Motte is using regular appearances in extended spring training games to regain command and increase velocity.

Recently, the Cardinals have clocked Motte's fastball at 92-93 mph, with it occasionally touching 94 mph.

"Right now, just being in our extended program makes the most sense," Mozeliak said. "We can control the atmosphere and what needs to happen. I would anticipate that when the calendar turns to May, at some point we'll then contemplate a rehab assignment in a more robust environment. But at this point, just being able to pitch every couple days is probably in the best interest of him right now."