Worth noting

• Liriano, who allowed four hits and a run in five innings for Indianapolis on Thursday night, has an obscure task during his three remaining rehab starts: Get comfortable swinging the bat. Besides adjusting to that as a former lifetime American Leaguer -- he has gone 2-for-17 in Interleague Play -- the healing fracture in his right arm could be more of an issue swinging than throwing for the southpaw who also bats left-handed.

• Karstens said "everything felt fine" during his simulated game early Friday in Busch Stadium, and bench coach Jeff Banister, who caught him, concurred. "The ball was coming out of his hand fine. It's all part of the process," Banister said.

Karstens, still considered by Hurdle "a starter, because that's where the value is," will most likely go to Florida next to continue his rehab from shoulder inflammation in extended Spring Training.

• Friday, April 26, was the 11th anniversary of Hurdle's Major League managerial debut. Promoted in the morning from Rockies batting coach to their manager, Hurdle piloted a 4-1 win over the Phillies that night and remained undefeated through six games, as Colorado swept Philadelphia -- and the Pirates.