Mulder return may be postponed more

An All-Star break return for St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder, once seemingly a certainty for both the player and manager Tony La Russa, on Thursday appeared to be a deadline that’ll be impossible to meet.

The left-hander has had two recent cortisone injections in his twice surgically-repaired left shoulder, the last on Wednesday, in an effort to free up the joint. He has been unable to rotate his shoulder high enough to pitch effectively, and the team shut down a rehab assignment earlier this month after Mulder was hit hard against minor leaguers.

“It seems like a push to think he’ll be ready for the All-Star break,” La Russa said.

Mulder said an MRI exam showed that his rotator cuff and labrum were fine, but the shoulder indicates otherwise.

“There’s something in there that’s just not moving right,” Mulder said. “I guess the best way for me to describe it: If you rotate your shoulder it feels like it’s all oiled up. Mine doesn’t feel that way.

“It’s just not smooth. It’s not loose.”

Posada tests shoulder

Yankees catcher Jorge Posada increased his rehabilitation program for a sore right shoulder, making hard throws to second and third during a pregame workout before catching seven innings and going 1 for 2 with two walks in an extended spring training game in Tampa, Fla.

The five-time All-Star has been sidelined since April 27. Posada is scheduled to throw to the bases for the first time in a game during an extended spring contest Saturday.

Church back at Shea

Mets outfielder Ryan Church returned to Shea Stadium still uncertain when he’ll rejoin the lineup following his second concussion this year.

Feeling dizzy, Church was sent home Tuesday and told to avoid bright lights.

“We’re just in a holding pattern,” Church said.

Church was hurt May 20 trying to break up a game-ending double play at Atlanta. He has not started since then, but has pinch-hit four times. He’s had an MRI exam and CT scan since the injury.