ST. LOUIS -- Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is indicating that his lineup might soon include one more intimidating bat.

	McGwire

Injured Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire could come off the disabled list as early as June 5.

When asked if McGwire might be ready to serve as a designated hitter when the Cardinals begin interleague play June 12, La Russa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "I think he'll be playing before that."

La Russa suggested that McGwire could be activated in early June.

"Based on what I saw (last weekend), I think he'll be ready to play soon," La Russa said. "He's really doing a lot of stuff, and he's feeling pretty good."

McGwire is trying to regain strength in his right knee after having offseason surgery. He started the season as a regular but found his knee wasn't ready to take the physical demands of daily play. He went on the disabled list April 16.

He played in only six games, going 2-for-21 with one home run, before being sidelined by soreness in the knee.

He's seventh on the career homer list with 555, eight behind Reggie Jackson.

McGwire's been working daily at Busch Stadium, in the trainer's room and on the field with Mark O'Neal, the Cardinals' medical rehab coordinator. He was hitting from a batting tee in the cage before a game against Pirates last week.

"They're pushing him," La Russa said.

Dr. George Paletta, who performed the surgery on McGwire's knee, predicted from the beginning that McGwire would be unable to play with regularity until at least June.

Once McGwire is activated, how much he plays would depend on how well his knee reacts to the rigors of play.

"But hopefully he will be strong enough to play a significant amount of time not long after he starts playing," trainer Barry Weinberg said.