The Cardinals expect right-hander Chris Carpenter to start on Wednesday after he missed two appearances with a hamstring injury. Carpenter left his March 1 spring debut in the third inning with a left hamstring strain. "He kept his arm in shape so it's not going to be a traditional first time out there," manager Tony La Russa said. "If he takes the ball every time he's supposed to, he should be at 100. He's strong."