Chris Carpenter will resume an exercise and throwing program on Thuresday as a hoped-for first step toward returning to the mound next month. Carpenter, on the disabled list retroactive to April 2 due to persistent swelling of his right elbow, was prescribed a series of exercises and a minimal toss routine by team medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta during a consultation Monday. Carpenter is expected Thursday to perform only range-of-motion exercises and toss a spongy ball with little effort. A more significant step is projected for next Monday or Tuesday, when Carpenter will throw long tosses, barring complications. "We talked about a program and how we go from here," Carpenter said earlier this week. "You ease into it and keep on building. The goal is to get back on the mound as soon as possible. But we've got to find out."