Finally: Wainwright could pitch out of bullpen as soon as Wednesday (VIDEO)

Apr 5, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright could get into game action as soon as Wednesday - that's the word that trickled out after Waino threw a third simulated game on Monday afternoon in Pittsburgh.

After rupturing his left Achilles tendon back in late April, Wainwright promised that he'd make a return to the mound for the Cards this season. Over the past week, he's increased his practice regimen in hopes of making that promise a reality, and now it appears as close as possible.

On Monday, Wainwright sounded excited about the prospect of making good on his promise: "There is a very, very, very, very, very strong chance that I will have at least fulfilled most of that even though now I have to go out there and get people out," he told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I have supreme confidence that I'll be able to do that."

According to Goold, Wainwright could see action as soon as Wednesday out of the Cardinals' bullpen. That's obviously a fantastic development for the Cards, especially with Carlos Martinez now lost for the season with a right shoulder strain.

Manager Mike Matheny isn't quite sure where Wainwright will fit into the relief corps, though...at least not yet. As he told Goold, "It's a great question that I don't necessary have the answer to right now. As we get into a situation in the game we've got to see who is the best fit for us right here, right now, and if that's Adam Wainwright, you're going to see him. We think he can be a considerable piece to this puzzle."

St. Louis is fortunate to be able to utilize someone of Wainwright's ability and track record as a 'piece of the puzzle'.