Cardinals' Wacha to throw live batting practice Wednesday at Double-A

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Michael Wacha will take an important step in his recovery from a shoulder injury Wednesday when he faces minor-league hitters in a live batting practice session at Double-A Springfield, per MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.

The 23-year-old hasn't pitched for the Cardinals since June 17, missing the last two months with a stress reaction in his right shoulder. Wacha recently completed a 35-pitch bullpen session and will likely make a formal rehab start barring a setback in Wednesday's session.