SFGate

OF Jay leaving for extended spring training

ST. LOUIS (AP) St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay, on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury, is leaving for extended spring training in Jupiter, Fla., and could return to action soon.

Jay, on the DL since May 16, began hitting indoors a few days ago. He's batting .343 with two homers and eight RBIs in 27 games.

Pitcher Chris Carpenter may begin a throwing program in a week or so if he continues to progress. Carpenter, sidelined with a nerve issue in his shoulder, has been throwing 10 feet into a net.

Carpenter, the 2005 NL Cy Young winner, was 4-0 in the postseason including a pair of wins in the World Series. The Cardinals don't anticipate he'll be ready before the All-Star break.

Updated May 27, 2012