HOUSTON -- Mark Mulder will throw off a mound this week at Busch Stadium for the first time since he underwent shoulder surgery in September. Mulder remains on schedule in his rehabilitation, which could place him in a Major League game by the beginning of August.

"It's right on schedule," said general manager Walt Jocketty. "I think it will be important to see him be able to feel good and comfortable. Get him through without any setbacks."

Mulder last pitched in a game on Aug. 29, 2006. He was sidelined in June because of shoulder troubles and attempted a non-surgical rehab. But when he came back in August, he endured two extremely rocky starts and decided to have an operation.

The Cardinals remain extremely reluctant to project a timetable for Mulder's rejoining the Major League roster. However, pitching coach Dave Duncan granted that Mulder's status right now is similar to a pitcher at the very beginning of Spring Training, or a little bit before.

"If I were to predict a time, I would be doing nothing but guessing," Duncan said. "As long as he's not having any problems, you don't treat him tender or with special care. You let him go through his rehab."

Mulder has been working out at the Cardinals' complex in Jupiter, Fla.