Steve

Kline

Kline is expected to throw again Monday and Wednesday and then be game ready Saturday in Colorado. Manager Tony La Russa said he plans to “max-out (Kline’s) appearances” because it’s “not innings, it’s appearances” and particular situations that will best prepare Kline.

The team’s projection may be for the following week, so Kline may have to wait.

Kline may or may not be available for today’s game. Trainer Barry Weinberg said Kline is taking medication for the condition “that usually takes 48 hours to give some relief. We’ll see how he is in the next couple days.”

Kline is undergoing treatment for gout-like symptoms in his left index finger.

Kline will need three months to rehab from the surgery. He’ll still be pursued by several teams as a free agent this winter. Don’t be surprised if the Yankees make a strong bid.

There’s still a chance for other pitches to record saves in St. Louis because of manager Tony La Russa’s strategies, but Kline, who has two saves and a 1.50 ERA, is the best bet.

With the Yankees and Red Sox deciding to go in different directions, the market for Kline hasn’t been nearly as strong as expected. That may change after the teams that fail to land quality starters decide to spend their money elsewhere.

Kline was limping as he left the field after being removed, but he declined to shed light on the subject. ''I’m not limping,’' he said. ''It’s nothing.’' Kline remains the favorite for saves in St. Louis, mainly because no one else has stepped up.

Kline seems to have decided that he doesn’t like closing, so he’ll be used for ''one or two’’ hitters, ''maybe three,’' according to manager Tony La Russa.

Kline would be a nice pickup, but Guthrie might be more in the team’s price range than the other two.