"Standing in almost the same spot where three years earlier he fielded questions about the injury clause in his new contract, Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright, his arm in an articulated brace, conceded the hypothetical has become reality.

And he insisted he's still content with his contract, including its $21-million two-year option that hinges on his health.

"I'm actually really happy that I have that option, that I have that clause in there right now," Wainwright said Wednesday morning at the Cardinals' spring training clubhouse. "One way or the other, if I'm hurt and I can never come back, I would feel bad taking that much money from a team I couldn't help. If (the Cardinals) don't want to pick it up, then I'll be a free agent sooner."

Wainwright returned to the Cardinals' spring training facility for the first time since having Tommy John surgery on Feb. 28 to rebuild his right elbow. He said he's back in Florida to begin his rehab. He'll miss all of the 2011 season, and the standard recovery from Tommy John is at least 12 months. He had the cast removed Monday and that allowed him to travel and begin do some mild exercises to regain strength."