Mulder clobbered in rehab start at Memphis

Mark Mulder's first start at Class AAA Memphis was a disaster Wednesday.

Mulder, rehabilitating from two shoulder surgeries, was tattooed for nine hits and nine runs, seven of which were earned, in 3 2/3 innings against Salt Lake. Mulder walked one, struck out one and allowed three home runs. He threw 80 pitches, 47 for strikes, and left the game with Memphis trailing 9-0.

It's become clear that the Cardinals' patient approach with Mulder is the right course to take. Mulder will probably need his entire rehab period, which ends May 15. That gives him an opportunity to make two and perhaps three more starts before being recalled to the bigs.

If Mulder isn't ready, extended spring training is his next option. There's really no rush for him on the major-league roster. The starters, for now, are dealing. But that's all subject to change.