Rolen could return Saturday

Saturday, June 18th 2005, 11:31 am

By: News On 6

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) _ St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen could be activated from the 15-day disabled list Saturday after missing 33 games with a left shoulder strain.

Rolen took batting practice, ran the bases and fielded grounders Friday before the Cardinals began a weekend series at Tampa Bay.

``Scott had a very good workout,'' St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said. ``If he has a good night and a good morning, there's a chance he'll be activated tomorrow.''

Rolen was placed on the disabled list May 12. He hit .257 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 30 games this season.

``I think he just felt like he really improved over the last three, four days,'' La Russa said.

Outfielder Jim Edmonds was out the lineup for the fourth straight game Friday with bruised ribs. La Russa said there are no current plans to put Edmonds, who only took a few swings Friday before stopping, on the disabled list.