Edmonds should play Opening Day

Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds probably will receive medical clearance to play opening day barring a setback in his rehabilitation from off-season shoulder and toe surgeries, the team's medical director said Wednesday. Dr. George Paletta said Edmonds' progress might make him available for his first Grapefruit League appearance this weekend and that a "better than even chance" exists for the Gold Glove defender to play April 1 against the New York Mets.

"I believe it is more likely than not that Jim will be ready to play based on how his shoulder and toe have responded," Paletta said before the Cardinals' exhibition against the Baltimore Orioles.

Edmonds put himself through a strenuous series of drills earlier this week and reported no pain in his surgically repaired second left toe. Edmonds also has told Cardinals training and medical staff that he can reach for outside pitches without right shoulder discomfort.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch