"Aaron Cook will be rewarded for a month of tireless rehab, starting Friday at Coors Field against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cook has been out with a strained right shoulder, but has been making steady progress. With his mechanics improving and arm strength building, the right-hander will be back on the mound in what could be an audition to make the playoff roster.

"We are looking to get 70 pitches from him," said manager Jim Tracy, who will now have Jason Hammel pitch Thursday in the series finale against the Padres.

For Cook to have a chance to be on the postseason roster, it's important that he get into a game. Those who have faced him in simulated game said his ball is sinking well. Command was the issue, as he was a bit rusty from the long layoff. This doesn't rule out Jose Contreras from pitching again. Contreras, out with a strained quadriceps, told me today that he feels "a lot better" after doing agility drills today at Coors Field."