Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The St. Louis Cardinals placed pitcher Mark Mulder on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder strain one day after he exited his first start of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning.

Mulder, who had thrown 1 1/3 innings over two relief appearances this season, issued back-to-back one out walks to Shane Victorino and Chase Utley, then grabbed his left arm and was lifted for Brad Thompson.

The 30-year-old lefty has been plagued by shoulder problems over the last two years and made just three starts last season before requiring additional surgery in the offseason.

Mulder won at least 15 games every season from 2001 to 2005, but over the last three seasons he has appeared in just 23 games, accumulating a 6-10 record in 106 innings during that span.

To fill Mulder's spot on the roster, Jaime Garcia was recalled from Triple-A Memphis. In 12 starts for the Redbirds this year, Garcia is 4-4 with a 4.59 earned run average and 57 strikeouts. He has never appeared in a major league game.