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Peralta cleared to swing bat in thumb rehab

ANAHEIM -- Two months after tearing a ligament in his left thumb, Cardinals shortstop Jhonny Peralta has been cleared to start swinging a bat. That green light came during a followup doctor's visit this week, general manager John Mozeliak confirmed.

Peralta will gradually resume swinging, first taking dry cuts and then hitting in the batting cage. If he progresses as expected, he should be ready to take batting practice with the club in its next homestand. Mozeliak said previously that he was hopeful Peralta would be ready for a Minor League rehab assignment around May 21, but that the Cardinals will get a better picture of a realistic timeframe once Peralta is re-evaluated again next week.