Jason

Isringhausen

''We’re just going day by day, it seems,’' said Isringhausen. Manager Tony La Russa said Izzy just needs enough work to get sharp, and wasn’t ready to put a timetable on his return.

Isringhausen threw without a problem and, according to manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan, is on pace to return in 10 to 14 days.

The Cardinals are expected to activate Izzy after 5-10 sessions against their hitters.

The option is worth $8 million and contains a $1.1 million buyout. The Cards may be asking him to defer a little money in exchange for them picking up the option now.

Izzy probably won’t pitch during the first week of spring games, but he’s going to be okay. ''The hip is fine,’' Isringhausen said. ''I can do anything I want. I can do sprints. I can run with my little girl. There’s just no reason to push things now.’'

The old contract, which called for Izzy to make $9.25 million this year and included an $8 million option for 2006, will be ripped up. In exchange for taking a $2.25 million reduction this year, Isringhausen will get $8.75 million in both 2006 and 2007. Also included is an $8 million option for 2008 with a $1.25 million buyout.

Pitching coach Dave Duncan said Isringhausen is toying with the new pitch to complement his cutter, giving him something to throw to the other side of the plate. Izzy threw 80 pitches yesterday between the bullpen and live batting practice. He’s scheduled for game action March 7.

Izzy will throw off a mound Saturday, then throw at least twice to hitters before going on assignment. He wants to return ''the first or second week in June.’'

Isringhausen will throw today, join Double-A Tennessee on Thursday for a rehab assignment, and hopefully return shortly thereafter.

The Cardinals are looking at Izzy’s scheduled session like it’s the first day of spring training for him. That would indicate a period of up to six weeks before Isringhausen would return. Manager Tony La Russa said that ''if everything went right it wouldn’t be six weeks before he pitches.’'