Chris Carpenter returned to a bullpen mound on Friday for the first time since experiencing a temporary setback in his recovery from nerve-related shoulder weakness. The right-hander threw for about 10 minutes from a bullpen mound in 102-degree heat. Carpenter, who was within five days of beginning a minor-league rehab assignment when confronted by renewed weakness last Sunday in Kansas City, said Friday he believes himself back on course. "I think they have a little better feel of what's going on and I think the trip to Dallas was worthwhile," Carpenter said.