Chris Carpenter scratched from last start

Over the past couple of seasons, St. Louis Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter has battled serious injuries.

Scheduled to make a start this Friday, Carpenter has been scratched due to soreness in his calf. But it appears to only be a cautionary move.

“He could pitch if it was the regular season,” manager Tony La Russa said. “But we don’t need to push."

Carpenter has pitched extremely well throughout spring training. Through 23 2/3 innings pitched, Carpenter has an ERA of 1.52 and a 2-1 record.

In 2008, Carpenter had an ERA of 1.76, but he made only three starts and pitched only 15 1/3 innings.