Joe Strauss reports:

Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols' fractured left wrist has shown "significant improvement" following aggressive treatment to promote healing of the bone, likely allowing the three-time NL Most Valuable Player to return to the club immediately after the All-Star break, if not before, according to sources familiar with the situation.

A follow-up CT scan performed on Friday found a diminished fissure on the distal tip of Pujols' left radius, which was damaged when Kansas City Royals third baseman Wilson Betemit collided with Pujols on a play at first base during the teams' June 19 game at Busch Stadium.

Team doctors initially projected Pujols' return at 4-6 weeks and prescribed that he remain in a soft cast for up to four weeks before resuming baseball-related activities.

Pujols will be examined again on Monday when the Cardinals open a three-game series at Busch Stadium against the Cincinnati Reds. Unless a fresh concern arises, it is expected that Pujols will be cleared to immediately resume baseball-related activities. Such clearance would make it virtually certain, barring a setback, that Pujols would be activated when the team returns from the All--Star break in Cincinnati on July 15.

The club has been told that a best-case scenario could allow Pujols to appear in this week's four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cardinals are likely to proceed cautiously, however, and may urge Pujols to take advantage of the All-Star break before returning.