News
Zambrano on schedule to start Friday
All systems go for Big Z after passing tests in rehab start
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com
05/19/09 8:16 PM ET
ST. LOUIS -- Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a left strained hamstring, passed all the tests in his Minor League rehab start and is on schedule to go Friday in San Diego."He said he threw only fastballs and was just trying to build up a little arm strength and make sure his leg was fine," Chicago manager Lou Piniella said Tuesday. "He said he's ready to go."
Zambrano, who injured his leg running to first on a bunt hit on May 3, gave up four runs on five hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings in a rehab start Sunday for Class A Daytona.
Before leaving for the game in Dunedin, Fla., Zambrano apologized in advance to fans, saying he wasn't going to run full tilt when he returns to avoid re-injuring his leg.
"We'll see," Piniella said. "When the game starts and the adrenaline gets going, guys who like to compete compete. Maybe no more bunting. Maybe -- for base hits, that is. Outside of that, look, my philosophy is this: Unless you do something very foolish, if it's your turn to get hurt, you'll get hurt."
Zambrano is 3-1 with a 4.50 ERA in six starts. Rookie Randy Wells, who has thrown 11 scoreless innings in two starts in Zambrano's place, will go to the bullpen for now and remain there through the weekend's San Diego series. Sean Marshall will return to the rotation Thursday against St. Louis, and the next opening comes up Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh.
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
