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Chicago Cubs

8/16/2006

Scott Eyre, chc

The Cubs placed Eyre on the 15-day disabled list after he strained his right hamstring in Tuesday's 8-6 victory.

8/15/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee hit "15 or 20" balls off a tee on Monday as he recovers from inflammation in his right wrist. The 2005 NL batting champion has been on the 15-day disabled list since July 24. "You've got to start somewhere," said Cubs manager Dusty Baker. "All I know is those hand injuries are tough. It takes a while to come back."

Wade Miller, chc

Miller, on the 60-day disabled list, will start for Triple-A Iowa against the Astros' minor league affiliate in nearby Round Rock on Wednesday. Miller, a former Astro, was with the Cubs in Houston, where they opened a three-game series on Monday.

8/14/2006

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Of Ramirez's 28 homers, 20 have come on the road. The third baseman also has nine RBIs the past six games.

8/13/2006

Mark Prior, chc

Prior was put on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with shoulder tendinitis. This will be his third trip this season and eighth time in his four year career. He was 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA in nine starts this year.

8/12/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee will be allowed to start baseball-related activities on Monday after undergoing tests on his left wrist. The Cubs first baseman has only played 34 games this season due to the wrist injury. "The inflammation and soreness have been resolved," Cubs trainer Mark O'Neal said. "It looks good."

8/3/2006

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch was placed on the 15-day disabled like by the Cubs on Thursday, due to a left lateral epicondylitis, also known as "tennis elbow."

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee is capable of doing everything except baseball stuff as he continues his rehabilitation on his right wrist for the Cubs. An MRI on Monday showed the wrist is normal. "We're not going to do anything baseball-wise until he feels 100 percent," Cubs athletic trainer Mark O'Neal said. "Like (general manager Jim Hendry) said the other day, we're not shutting him down. We want to know where we are with him when the season's over..."

David Aardsma, chc

Aardsma was recalled by the Cubs from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. The right-hander pitched a perfect sixth inning of relief, striking out two in Chicago's 10-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

8/1/2006

Cesar Izturis, chc

Izturis is expected to start at shortstop for the Cubs after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Greg Maddux prior to the league's trade deadline on Monday. Ronny Cedeno will move to second base as Izturis replaces him at short.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior allowed six runs and six hits, including three home runs, and struck out five in five innings for the Cubs in a 15-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.

Ronny Cedeno, chc

Cedeno is expected to move to second base for the Cubs after Todd Walker was traded to the San Diego Padres prior to Monday's trade deadline. Cesar Izturis, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodger on Monday, would take Cedeno's spot at shortstop.

7/31/2006

Cesar Izturis, chc

The Dodgers traded Izturis to the Chicago Cubs for four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux on Monday, agent Scott Boras said.

7/24/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

The Cubs put Lee on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of continued problems with his right wrist, which he injured earlier this season in a collision that forced him to miss nearly 60 games. Lee broke his wrist when he collided with the Dodgers' Rafael Furcal on April 19. Lee missed the next 59 games while recovering from the injury and returned to the Cubs' lineup on June 25. He returned to the disabled list Monday with post-traumatic inflammation, the Cubs said.

7/23/2006

Michael Wuertz, chc

Wuertz was recalled from Triple-A Iowa Sunday.

David Aardsma, chc

Aardsma was recalled from Triple-A Iowa Sunday.

Sean Marshall, chc

The Cubs placed Marshall on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, a day after the left-hander left a start against the Washington Nationals with a strained left ribcage muscle.

7/21/2006

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano won his seventh straight decision on Thursday, pitching eight innings in a 4-1 victory over the Astros. The Cub's right-hander allowed just one run, two hits and struck out 10 in the victory.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior was activated off the 15-day disabled list Friday to start against the Washington Nationals. The Cubs' right-hander was scratched from his scheduled start on July 9 with a strained left oblique muscle and went on the DL retroactive to July 5. "He says he feels good, and hopefully he can minimize his pitches early so he can go deeper," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said before the game.

Ryan Theriot, chc

Theriot was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday to make room on the Cubs' roster for right-hander Mark Prior, who was activated off the 15-day disabled list. Theriot was 2-for-9 during his second stint with Chicago this season.

7/20/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee wasn't in the lineup Thursday as the team continues to occasionally rest the slugger, who missed 59 games earlier this season after breaking a bone in his right wrist. Lee said after the game he's battling normal soreness in his bone and will play Friday in Washington.

7/14/2006

Mark Prior, chc

Cubs right-hander Mark Prior went back on the 15-day disabled list Friday, this time with a strained left oblique muscle. He got hurt while taking batting practice last Saturday in Milwaukee. He was scratched from his start last Sunday.

7/10/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood is expected to be out at least four weeks with a partial tear in his right rotator cuff. The Cubs' right-hander underwent an arthrogram at Northwest Memorial Hospital on Friday, revealing the tear. Treatment options include conservative treatment or possible arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder, but a final decision hasn't been made on which to pursue. "My gut feeling is saying no surgery and strengthen it," Wood said. "I've still got to get more opinions."

Mark Prior, chc

Prior missed Sunday's 11-4 victory over Milwaukee because of a strained muscle on his left side. The Cubs' right-hander sustained the injury while taking batting practice before Saturday's game. The team has not determined whether Prior will make his seventh trip to the disabled list in his five-year career. "That hurts, big time, because he was just starting to come around," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. "He was starting to throw the ball good again.

7/5/2006

Juan Pierre, chc

Pierre went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in the Cubs' 7-2 loss to Houston on Tuesday. The Chicago center fielder has 13 hits in his last five games and is batting .591 over that span.

7/3/2006

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano was selected to his second All-Star team Sunday as one of the eight starting pitchers on the National League roster. He is 7-3 with a 3.33 ERA this season.

6/30/2006

Tony Womack, chc

Womack was designated for assignment on Friday by the Cubs as they made room for outfielder Angel Pagan to be recalled after a stint on the 60-day DL. Womack was sent to Triple-A Iowa earlier this week after hitting .280 with a homer and two RBIs in 19 games for Chicago. He was signed by Iowa on May 7 and recalled by Chicago on May 26 after beginning the season with Cincinnati.

Angel Pagan, chc

Pagan was recalled from an injury rehabilitation assignment and reinstated from the 60-day DL by the Cubs on Friday. The outfielder went on the DL on April 16 with a strained left hamstring. He was hitting .263 in nine games before getting injured.

6/29/2006

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett will return to the Cubs' lineup against the Chicago White Sox on Friday after serving a 10-game suspension for punching the Sox's A.J. Pierzynski after a collision at the plate on May 20. Barrett appealed the suspension, but it was upheld and he began serving it on June 19. "I have no ill feelings toward A.J. or toward the White Sox, or toward (manager) Ozzie (Guillen). I just want to beat them," the Cubs' catcher said.

6/28/2006

Tony Womack, chc

Womack was sent to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday after back spasms forced him out of Saturday's 3-0 loss to Minnesota. The 36-year-old second baseman has been day to day. "He had a special clause in his contract where he could go down without being off the roster and he's available to come back," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said.

David Aardsma, chc

Aardsma was sent to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday after reliever Scott Williamson was activated from the 15-day disabled list. Aardsma, a right-handed reliever, went 1-0 with a 5.89 ERA in 18 appearances for the Cubs. "We didn't want to send him down either," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. "He's been throwing good, but somebody had to go when Williamson came off the disabled list and they both do kind of the same job."

Geovany Soto, chc

Soto was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. Chicago needs the 23-year-old catcher because backup Henry Blanco's neck has been stiff the last two days and regular catcher Micheal Barrett is serving a 10-game suspension for his role in a fight with the White Sox. Barrett won't be available until Friday. "We didn't want to go with one catcher if (Blanco) couldn't play," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said.

6/25/2006

Tony Womack, chc

Womack left Saturday's 3-0 loss to Minnesota with back spasms and remained sidelined for Sunday's 8-1 defeat to the Twins. The Cubs' second baseman is listed as day-to-day, but manager Dusty Baker said he is feeling better. Womack's injury coupled with one to Freddie Bynum (arm) forced Derrek Lee to return one day sooner than expected after missing two months with a broken wrist.

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee was activated from the disabled list on Sunday and played in his first game in two months, going 1-for-4 in an 8-1 loss to Minnesota. The Cubs' first baseman had been sidelined since April 19 when he fractured his right wrist in a collision with Los Angeles shortstop Rafael Furcal. Lee was scheduled to return Monday, but injuries to Tony Womack and Freddy Bynum forced him back sooner.

Freddie Bynum, chc

Bynum was placed on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation on Sunday and will remain in a Minneapolis hospital until at least Tuesday. The Cubs' outfielder left Saturday's game with swelling in his right arm and was taken to the hospital. Tests looking for blood clots were inconclusive, but Cubs' trainer Mark O'Neal said Bynum "has had a history of some swelling and blood issues in his throwing arm. It was handled surgically when he was in Oakland."

6/24/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee, who has been sidelined since fracturing his right wrist on April 19, is scheduled to play for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Saturday and Sunday. If Lee's wrist holds up, Chicago is expected to activate him in time for Monday night's game against Milwaukee at Wrigley Field.

6/21/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

For the first time since he went on the DL on April 21 with a broken right wrist, Lee took batting practice on the field before the Cubs-Indians game on Tuesday. The Chicago offense has missed the presence of the power-hitting first baseman and batting practice is a big step in his return.

Kerry Wood, chc

Despite being eligible to come off the disabled list on Thursday, Wood says he won't be able to pitch right away and may be out for the rest of the season. The Cubs right-hander experienced fatigue near the end of a 70-pitch simulated game on Tuesday and said Wednesday he doesn't know when he'll be back.

Cesar Izturis, chc

Izturis was activated from the DL on Tuesday night and will be the Dodger's everyday third baseman _ at least for the time being. Izturis, who won a Gold Glove at shortstop in 2004, made the NL All-Star team last season but underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in September and has been rehabilitating ever since.

6/20/2006

Mark Prior, chc

The Cubs announced Prior will make his next scheduled start when Chicago plays Minnesota over the weekend. Prior was hit hard in his first start of the season on Sunday, allowing three homers in the first inning of a 12-3 loss to Detroit. Cubs manager Dusty Baker said Prior felt OK, but just wasn't pitching the way he wanted.

6/19/2006

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett will serve a 10-game suspension for punching the White Sox's A.J. Pierzynski after Major League Baseball upheld the suspension on Monday. Barrett will begin serving the suspension on Monday when Chicago meets Cleveland and will be eligible to play again on June 30 against the White Sox. The Cubs' catcher and Pierzynski collided at the plate on May 20 and Barrett eventually punched Pierzynski.

6/18/2006

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Cubs on Sunday after suffering back spasms.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior lost his season debut in the Cubs 12-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday after returning from a shoulder strain suffered during spring training. The right-hander surrendered eight runs -- seven earned -- and seven hits, four home runs and two strikeouts over 3 2-3 innings in the loss.

6/17/2006

Mark Prior, chc

Prior will make his first start of the season on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers. The Chicago Cubs pitcher has missed the first 2 1/2 months of the season with a strained shoulder. This was the third straight season he began the year on the disabled list.

6/11/2006

Cesar Izturis, chc

The Los Angeles Dodgers are feeling encouraged by news about Izturis's recovery from elbow surgery. "I talked to our people in Las Vegas and they said he is making every play defensively," manager Grady Little said. "Offensively, he's like a hitter the first week of spring training, but that will come in time."

6/9/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Cubs on Friday after suffering post-throwing shoulder soreness. The Cubs have recalled Angel Guzman from Triple-A Iowa to take the roster spot.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior allowed three runs and four hits in five innings of rehab work for Double-A West Tennessee on Thursday. The Cubs pitcher struck out four while not allowing a hit after the second inning. "I felt good," Prior said. "I think when I needed to go get something I was able to go get it."

Angel Guzman, chc

Guzman was recalled by the Cubs from Triple-A Iowa on Friday after they placed Kerry Wood on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury.

6/3/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee is targeting a return to the Cubs lineup in the next two weeks, as he tries to come back from a broken wrist suffered on April 19 when he collided with the Los Angeles Dodgers' Rafael Furcal. The first baseman is hoping to avoid a rehabillitation stint.

6/1/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee had the cast on his right arms removed on Wednesday. The Chicago Cubs first baseman broke his wrist on April 19 after colliding with Los Angeles Dodgers' Rafael Furcal. Trainer Mark O'Neal said X-rays "showed significant healing."

5/31/2006

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin was traded on Wednesday from the Texas Rangers to the Chicago Cubs after spending part of the last two seasons with Texas. The Rangers designated hitter has struggled since being traded to Texas on July 30 and is batting just .216 this season.

5/28/2006

Michael Wuertz, chc

Wuertz was optioned by the Cubs to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday to make room for pitcher Jae Kuk Ryu. This is Wuertz's second trip to Iowa this season after being optioned on April 15.

Jae Kuk Ryu, chc

Ryu was recalled by the Cubs from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday as reliever Michael Wuertz was optioned to the minors to make room on the roster. The 22-year-old right-hander is making his second appearance with the Cubs this season after being recalled on May 13.

5/26/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood's scheduled start for the Cubs on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves has been moved to Monday against the Cincinnati Reds to give him more rest. He has made only two starts this season after undergoing right shoulder surgery in spring training.

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett appealed his 10-game suspension by the league for punching Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski in the face after he ran into him on a play at home, where Pierzynski scored in a 7-0 Cubs loss on Saturday. The Cubs catcher went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI in a 6-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday as he remains in the lineup.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior is scheduled to go on a rehabillitation assignment at Class-A Peoria next week to continue his come back from a sore right shoulder. He has been on the disabled list all season with the injury and there is no timetable for his return.

5/21/2006

John Mabry, chc

Mabry started at first on Sunday against the Chicago White Sox a day after being sent to the hospital after getting involved in a fight with White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson. Mabry was ejected on Saturday. He was 0-for-4 on Sunday with two strikeouts.

Kerry Wood, chc

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that a sore right shoulder might prevent Wood from making his scheduled start on Tuesday against the Florida Marlins.He pitched five innings in his first start this season against the Washington Nationals on May 18, giving up four runs and five hits, three of which were home runs. He also struck out six.

Michael Barrett, chc

After being thrown out of Saturday's game, Barrett hit a triple in Sunday's contest against the Chicago White Sox, bringing in the game-tying run. The Chicago Cubs catcher was involved in a fight with A.J. Pierzynski after the White Sox catcher ran into him while scoring on a sacrifice fly. As Pierzynski stood up, Barrett grabbed him and punched him in the jaw.

Rich Hill, chc

The Chicago Cubs sent Hill to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday after he gave up seven runs in four innings to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. They recalled Michael Wuertz to take Hill's spot.

5/18/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood allowed three home runs and four runs total over five innings in his 2006 debut against the Washington Nationals. The Cubs' right-hander returned from arthroscopic knee surgery in March. The outing started well, with Wood fanning two and needing only eight pitches to get out of the first inning. He later gave up homers to Damian Jackson, Ryan Zimmerman and Alfonso Soriano in a 5-3 loss to the Nationals.

5/8/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood struck out 12 and worked five scoreless innings at Class-A Peoria Sunday. The Cubs' right-hander, who has been on the disabled list since March 28 following arthroscopic knee surgery, gave up one hit, one walk and hit a batter on his way to a no decision. He threw 70 pitches -- 51 for strikes -- and mostly relied on a fastball that was clocked at 97 mph. He called on his offspeed stuff later in his outing.

5/1/2006

Rich Hill, chc

The Chicago Cubs recalled Hill Monday, most likely to start in place of Glendon Rusch on Thursday in Arizona. Rusch has struggled in the Cubs' rotation, opening the door to Hill, who is 1-0 with a 1.44 ERA in four starts for Triple-A Iowa. The 26-year-old left-hander has struck out 33 in 25 innings with Iowa, giving up just 13 hits and seven walks.

4/27/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Wood worked a three-inning simulated game against rookie league players on Wednesday. The Cubs' right-hander, rehabbing after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery early in March, threw 39 pitches. He allowed one hit, one walk and struck five. The Cubs said he felt fine after the throwing session.

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett, who sprained the middle finger on his right hand Tuesday sliding into second base, could be sidelined Friday when the Cubs host the Milwaukee Brewers in the first game of a weekend series. X-rays were negative, but the swelling and discomfort could keep the Cubs' catcher on the bench for a day or two.

4/25/2006

Tony Womack, chc

Womack was designated for assignment by the Reds on Monday after Cincinnati acquired outfielder Cody Ross from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Womack, a utilityman who hadn't started since April 14, hit .222 with three RBIs in nine games with the Reds. His playing time dwindled once newcomer Brandon Phillips came over in a trade with the Cleveland Indians on April 7.

Jacque Jones, chc

Jones hit a three-run homer to cap a six-run eighth inning in the Cubs' 6-3 win over the Florida Marlins on Monday.

4/23/2006

Jerome Williams, chc

The Cubs sent Williams to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday following a disappointing beginning to 2006. The right-hander lasted only 1 1-3 innings against the Cardinals on Friday and is 0-2 with a 7.30 ERA this season. He has made two starts and three relief appearances.

4/20/2006

John Mabry, chc

Mabry could see more at-bats for the Cubs after Derrek Lee was diagnosed with two broken bones in his right wrist Thursday. Lee is expected to be in a cast for up to six weeks, and Mabry is one option to play first base. The Cubs also could move Todd Walker to first, which would open up second for Jerry Hairston Jr. and Neifi Perez.

Derrek Lee, chc

An examination by Cubs doctors in Chicago Thursday determined that Lee has two broken bones in his right wrist. The Cubs' first baseman fractured the distal radial and distal ulna bones in a collision with the Dodgers' Rafael Furcal in Los Angeles Wednesday night. Lee is expected to be in a cast up to six weeks.

Ryan Dempster, chc

Dempster set a Cubs franchise record Wednesday when he worked the ninth inning of Chicago's 5-4 win over Los Angeles for his 23rd consecutive save. He has converted all of his opportunities since blowing a lead and getting the win in an 8-4 victory over St. Louis last July 24.

4/18/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood worked a 35-pitch bullpen session at Dodger Stadium Monday. Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild was impressed with the right-hander's progress and believes Wood will go on a minor league rehab assignment soon, according to the Chicago Tribune. Rothschild was especially happy seeing a good slider from Wood, a key sign he's moving forward in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Mark Prior, chc

Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild told the Chicago Tribune Monday that Prior has thrown roughly 50 pitches in three bullpen sessions in Arizona. The next step for the Cubs' right-hander is throwing a batting practice session in the Cubs' camp on Friday.

David Aardsma, chc

The Chicago Cubs placed rookie utilityman Angel Pagan on the 15-day disabled list Sunday and recalled Aardsma to take his spot on the 25-man roster. Aardsma, a 24-year-old right-hander acquired from San Francisco in the LaTroy Hawkins trade last May, was 1-0 with two saves in five scoreless appearances for Triple-A Iowa this season.

Angel Pagan, chc

The Chicago Cubs placed Pagan on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a partial tendon tear of his left hamstring. The rookie utilityman was replaced on the 25-man roster by right-hander David Aardsma. Pagan was 5-for-19 (.263) with a double and an RBI in nine games for the Cubs.

4/17/2006

John Mabry, chc

Pirates first baseman Sean Casey wasn't the only player injured in Mabry's collision with him at first base Friday night. Mabry suffered spasms in his shoulder muscles following the collision and was available for pinch-hitting duties only on Saturday and Sunday. The Cubs' reserve player is day-to-day.

4/11/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee signed a five-year, $65 million contract extension with the Cubs on Tuesday. The highly anticipated deal came after the slugger led the National League in batting average (.335), doubles (50) and hits (199) a year ago, along with smacking 46 homers and driving in 107 runs. Lee was in the final year of a three-year, $22.5 million contract.

4/6/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

As he moves along in his rehab program, Wood has started throwing batting practice in the Cubs' camp in Arizona. The Chicago Tribune reports that the 28-year-old right-hander will work another batting practice session on Friday.

Mark Prior, chc

Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild told the Chicago Tribune that Prior is close to throwing off a mound as part of his Arizona-based rehab. The 25-year-old right-hander hasn't worked off a mound since March 12, after informing the Cubs of discomfort he was feeling in his right shoulder. He has been diagnosed with a strained subscapularis muscle.

4/5/2006

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin hit a three-run homer in the first inning for Texas on Tuesday, capping a four-run first en route to a 10-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Nevin, who finished with five RBIs, also singled home two runs in the fourth.

4/3/2006

Matt Murton, chc

Murton, in his first opening day as a major leaguer, capped a five-run first inning by the Cubs with a three-run homer off Cincinnati starter Aaron Harang. In the bottom of the first, Murton slammed into the scoreboard in the left-field wall to catch Austin Kearns' fly with the bases loaded.

3/31/2006

Freddie Bynum, chc

The Oakland Athletics dealt Bynum to the Chicago Cubs in a three-team deal also involving the Texas Rangers. Bynum and and left-hander John Rheinecker were sent to Texas for right-hander Juan Dominguez. The Rangers then dealt Bynum to the Cubs for lefty John Koronka.

Sean Marshall, chc

Marshall has been a big surprise and has claimed the No. 4 spot in the Cubs' rotation this spring. The 6-foot-6 southpaw was 4-5 at high Class-A Daytona and Double-A West Tenn last season, though posting a 2.68 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 94 innings over 16 starts.

3/29/2006

Marquis Grissom, chc

Grissom retired Tuesday after signing a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January and batting just .200 in 17 spring games. Grissom, who turns 39 on April 17, played 17 seasons and leaves the game with a .272 lifetime average, 227 homers and 1,187 runs scored in 2,165 games. The outfielder spent time with Montreal, Altanta, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Kerry Wood, chc

In a move that was a surprise to no one, the Chicago Cubs placed Wood on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, retroactive to March 27. Earlier this month, Wood underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair a minor cartilage tear. He began throwing shortly after that. He threw 60 pitches from a bullpen mound earlier this week.

Mark Prior, chc

In what was a mere formality, the Chicago Cubs placed Prior on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. The move was retroactive to March 27. The 25-year-old right-hander is out with a strained subscapularis muscle in the right shoulder. The muscle is part of the rotator-cuff group of muscles.

3/28/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

The Chicago Tribune reports that Wood threw 60 pitches in a bullpen session on Sunday. The Cubs' right-hander continues to throw regularly, but reportedly he isn't ready to face hitters. As anticipated, Wood won't be on Chicago's opening day roster.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior began his rehab from shoulder discomfort Monday, playing catch from 60-70 feet and making roughly 30 throws, according to the Chicago Tribune. Cubs trainer Mark O'Neal says there probably still is some inflammation in Prior's shoulder, so the team will proceed cautiously. If Prior is fine on Tuesday, the Cubs will slowly step up his throwing over the next few days.

3/23/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee is expected to play in the Cubs' exhibition game against Seattle Thursday, nearly two weeks after the first baseman injured his left shoulder diving for a ball in the World Baseball Classic.

Kerry Wood, chc

The Chicago Tribune reported Thursday that Wood threw breaking pitches in a 52-pitch session on Wednesday. The Cubs' right-hander will have another session in the pen before facing live batters. He won't be ready for opening day, but his progress is an encouraging sign for the Cubs.

Mark Prior, chc

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Prior will be re-examined by doctors in the next few days to determine if he is ready to resume throwing. If the Cubs' right-hander is cleared to start a throwing program, he would begin with playing catch and then progress to long toss. The newspaper notes that the discomfort Prior was feeling is almost gone when he goes through resistance tests in the training room.

3/19/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee has returned to the Cubs from the World Baseball Classic, but it's not known when he will play in a game. Lee suffered a bruised left shoulder while diving for a ball against Japan in the WBC.

Mark Prior, chc

The Cubs' Web site details Prior's specific ailment as a moderate strain of subscapularis, which is a rotator cuff muscle.

3/15/2006

Derrek Lee, chc

An MRI exam and arthrogram performed Wednesday revealed little more than bruising and irritation in Lee's left shoulder. The Cubs' first baseman will not play Thursday's World Baseball Classic game for the United States, bothered by the same injury that sidelined him for three games with the Cubs last July. There's some wear and tear in Lee's shoulder, said Cubs trainer Mark O'Neal, but apparently it isn't anything serious.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior follows Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon and teammate Derrek Lee to California on Wednesday, where the Cubs' right-hander will have his ailing right shoulder examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum. An MRI exam is likely to determine the cause of the discomfort. The Cubs hope it will rule out a tear in the back of Prior's shoulder. Cubs trainer Mark O'Neal has termed the injury "posterior rotator-cuff irritation."

3/14/2006

Matt Murton, chc

If there were doubts about Murton's readiness to take over in left field for the Cubs this spring, the 24-year-old prospect has done all he can to alleviate them. Murton is 9-for-20 with three doubles, a homer and two RBIs in the early going of spring games.

3/13/2006

Mark Prior, chc

Prior threw 35 pitches in a simulated game on Sunday. He might throw another simulated game Wednesday. Prior has battled a winter illness in camp.

3/8/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood underwent a 20-minute arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Tuesday. The Cubs' right-hander had the meniscus cleaned out and will report back to training camp on Wednesday. No other significant problems with the joint were found.

3/5/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Tuesday, but is still scheduled to throw off a mound on Monday. "His doctor said it would be better if he continued to throw until the surgery to keep his arm strength going," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said Saturday.

3/3/2006

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood will have minor arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday. The Cubs' right-hander wasn't expected to be ready for Opening Day as it is. He underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery on Aug. 31 and had just started testing his shoulder.

2/2/2006

Juan Pierre, chc

The Chicago Cubs and Pierre agreed to a one-year contract Thursday worth a reported $5.75 million. Acquired from the Marlins on Dec. 7, Pierre is expected to replace Corey Patterson, who was traded to Baltimore in January, in the outfield and bat at the top of the order for the Cubs.

Will Ohman, chc

Ohman and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a one-year contract Thursday hours before an arbitration hearing. The reported amount of the contract is worth $610,000, although specifics were not disclosed. The left-hander went 2-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 43 1-3 innings pitched for the Cubs last year.

1/28/2006

Mark Prior, chc

Prior and the Chicago Cubs reached an agreement Friday for a $3.65 million, one-year contract. The new deal calls for $900,000 more than the salary the right-hander would have earned under the contract he voided in November. Under his previous contract, Prior had the right to terminate his deal once he became eligible for salary arbitration.

1/5/2006

Mark Prior, chc

Prior voided the final year of his contract with the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, making him eligible for salary arbitration. Prior's original deal allowed him to void the contract following the 2004 or 2005 season, but only if he had accumulated enough service time to be eligible for arbitration.

1/3/2006

Michael Restovich, chc

The Chicago Cubs have signed Restovich to a minor league deal. The signing comes on the power prospect's 27th birthday. In 115 at-bats with Colorado and Pittsburgh in 2005, Restovich batted .235 with five doubles, three homers and eight RBIs.

12/21/2005

Jacque Jones, chc

Jones agreed to a $16 million, three-year deal with the Cubs on Tuesday night after he rejected salary arbitration from the Twins on Monday.Jones hit .249 with 23 homers and 73 RBIs for Minnesota last season. Jones expressed a desire to play for Cubs manager Dusty Baker.

12/8/2005

Tony Womack, chc

The New York Yankees traded Womack to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for infielder Kevin Howard and outfielder Ben Himes. The Yankees will also send $900,000 to the Reds to offset part of Womack's $2 million salary next season.

12/7/2005

Juan Pierre, chc

The Florida Marlins have traded Pierre to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-hander Sergio Mitre and minor league pitchers Renyel Pinto and Ricky Nolasco. The 28-year-old outfielder, who boasts a .305 career batting average, hit .276 with two home runs, 47 RBI and 57 stolen bases in 2005. He has not missed a game in three years.

11/25/2005

Bob Howry, chc

Howry agreed to a $12 million, three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, becoming the second free-agent reliever in a week to join the team's bullpen. Howry spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Indians, going 7-4 with a 2.47 ERA. He allowed just four home runs in 73 innings.

11/19/2005

Michael Restovich, chc

The Pirates have removed Restovich from their 40-man roster. The outfielder, who came to the Pirates in a trade with Colorado in May, hit .235 with five home runs and 13 RBIs in 66 games with the Rockies and Pirates in 2005.

11/18/2005

Scott Eyre, chc

A heavily pursued lefty reliever, Eyre agreed to join the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. The 33-year-old veteran accepted a three-year, $11 million contract. He will earn $3 million in 2006, and $4 million in each of the following two years. The deal includes a $1.5 million signing bonus, and a no-trade clause and the third year is the player's option.

11/8/2005

Neifi Perez, chc

Perez and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a two-year, $5 million contract extension Tuesday. The 32-year-old shortstop batted .274 with a .298 on-base percentage and 33 doubles in 154 games last season. He scored 59 runs and drove in 54.

10/31/2005

Glendon Rusch, chc

The Cubs re-signed Rusch to a two-year contract worth $6 million.

10/1/2005

Scott Eyre, chc

Eyre set a franchise record for most appearances in a season when he pitched in his 86th game of the year Saturday.

Ryan Dempster, chc

Dempster agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Chicago cubs worth a reported $15.5 million on Saturday. The reliever has had an excellent season, going 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA and 33 saves in 35 opportunities. Dempster has tied a club record by converting his last 19 save opportunities, and his current streak of 21.1 scoreless innings is the longest by a Cubs reliever since 1989.

9/28/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez, who hasn't played since August 24 because of a quadriceps strain, won't play again for the Cubs in 2005. The third baseman finishes with 125 games played, a .302 average, 31 home runs and 92 RBI.

9/19/2005

Wade Miller, chc

Miller avoided shoulder surgery a year ago, choosing to rehab his throwing shoulder through the offseason and into the spring before returning to action in May. The 29-year-old righthander has remained adamant against surgery throughout the process, but now he's heavily leaning toward getting his rotator cuff problem resolved via the knife this offseason.

9/18/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Although he has been working out, Ramirez isn't ready to execute a lot of the quick movements required to play third base. The Cubs' slugger hasn't played because of a quadriceps strain since August 24.

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett didn't play on Saturday or Sunday for the Cubs, and the veteran catcher has missed four straight games since he was struck on the helmet by a pitch on Wednesday. He is improving and remains day-to-day.

9/16/2005

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett is likely to return to the Chicago Cubs' lineup on Saturday or Sunday, a few days after he was hit on the helmet by a pitch on Wednesday. The Cubs' catcher didn't suffer most of the symptoms of a concussion, and the injury is being called a head trauma instead of a mild concussion.

Wade Miller, chc

Miller will pitch Game 3 of the Eastern League championship series for Double-A Portland on Friday. The Boston righthander faces Cleveland's Double-A affiliate from Akron. He will be on a count of 70-85 pitches.

9/15/2005

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett was hit on the helmet by a Matt Belisle pitch in the eighth inning of the Cubs' Wednesday night loss to Cincinnati. Chicago's catcher went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for tests, and it was believed he suffered a minor concussion.

9/14/2005

Juan Pierre, chc

Pierre became the fourth member of the 50-steals club for 2005, swiping his 50th on Tuesday night in Florida's 4-2 win over Houston. It marked the second time in five full seasons in the majors that the Marlins' center fielder reached the 50 plateau. He set a career high with 65 in 2003, and he's averaged nearly 51 a year in his five full seasons since 2001.

Ronny Cedeno, chc

Cedeno is done for the year after Cubs medical personnel verified that the rookie infielder has a hairline fracture of the fifth metacarpal in his left hand.

9/13/2005

Wade Miller, chc

Rehabbing a shoulder ailment, Miller pitched 2.2 innings Sunday for Double-A Portland in his first rehab assignment. The Boston righthander will make a second and final one for Portland on Friday.

9/11/2005

Ronny Cedeno, chc

Cedeno was forced to leave Saturday's game against the San Francisco Giants after taking a pitch off his left hand in the second inning. The Cubs' rookie shortstop could have a small non-displaced fracture in the hand, according to trainer Mark O'Neal, but he won't undergo further tests until the team returns to Chicago on Monday. Initial X-rays were inconclusive.

9/9/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

There still is no timetable for Ramirez' return to the Cubs. The third baseman, who has been out since late August with a moderate to severe strain of his left quadriceps, has been doing agility drills to test the injury. He has yet to swing a bat.

9/8/2005

Cesar Izturis, chc

An MRI exam of Izturis' ailing right elbow revealed the Dodgers' shortstop needs Tommy John surgery. The procedure is set for September 16, and Dodgers team physician Dr. Frank Jobe said Izturis will miss roughly 10 months of action.

9/7/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee celebrated his 30th birthday by going 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBI in the Cubs' 5-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday night, including his 40th home run of the season. He currently leads the majors in hitting (.343) and slugging (.673).

Cesar Izturis, chc

Already on the disabled list for a bad back, Izturis now has a sore right elbow that will undergo an MRI exam on Wednesday. The Dodgers' shortstop was eligible to come off the DL on Wednesday, but neither his back nor his elbow are ready.

9/2/2005

Rich Hill, chc

The Chicago Cubs have recalled Hill from Triple-A Iowa. The 25-year-old southpaw finishes the minor league season with a 6-1 mark and 3.60 ERA in 10 starts and a relief appearance. He was a combined 10-4 (3.45 ERA) between Double-A West Tenn and Iowa. While with the Cubs earlier in the season, Hill displayed an impressive curveball and went 0-2 with an 8.57 ERA in four starts and three relief appearances.

9/1/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee was forced to leave Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after fouling a pitch off the top of his left foot. The Cubs' first baseman, who took a foul ball off the same foot the previous day, underwent precautionary X-rays, which were negative. He has been listed as day-to-day.

8/30/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

The Chicago Cubs officially placed Wood on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, the day before he will undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder. If the procedure finds nothing more than some fraying of the rotator cuff and labrum, the 28-year-old righthander should be good to go by spring training 2006.

Matt Murton, chc

With the trade of Todd Hollandsworth to Atlanta, Murton has been called up from Triple-A Iowa to fill the empty roster spot. He should see plenty of action in left field now that both Hollandsworth and Matt Lawton have been traded in the past week.

8/29/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood's 2005 campaign will come to an end following Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs' righthander is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome right shoulder on Wednesday. The Cubs hope the exploratory procedure finds nothing more than some fraying of the rotator cuff and labrum, so that Wood might be fully recovered by spring training next year. He will be placed on the disabled list.

Cesar Izturis, chc

Bothered by soreness in his lower back in recent days, Izturis was placed on the 15-day disabled Sunday by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers' shortstop was batting .257 with a .302 on-base percentage in 106 games. Los Angeles recalled 22-year-old infield prospect Willy Aybar to replace Izturis.

Freddie Bynum, chc

With Oakland shortstop Bobby Crosby (left ankle sprain) and center fielder Mark Kotsay (bad back) sitting out games on Sunday and Monday, the A's recalled Bynum from Triple-A Sacramento. The utilityman, who was drafted as an infielder and has learned to play in the outfield, was hitting .278 with a .347 on-base percentage in 102 games for Sacramento.

8/26/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago Cubs after suffering a moderate to severe strain of his left quadriceps while running to first base in the first inning of Wednesday's loss to the Atlanta Braves. The third baseman has been nursing a similar, but less severe, aliment is his right leg this season as well, but had been playing through the injury. In 123 games this season, Ramirez is batting .302 with 31 home runs and 92 RBI.

Ronny Cedeno, chc

Cedeno has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, filling the roster spot of third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who landed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained quadriceps muscle. In two previous stints with Chicago earlier this season, the 22-year-old shortstop batted .259 with one home run and three RBI in 31 games (54 at-bats).

8/25/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Further tests on Ramirez' ailing left quadriceps muscle have revealed a moderate to severe strain, and a trip to the 15-day disabled list is a distinct possibility. The third baseman, who suffered the injury while running to first base in the first inning of Wednesday's loss to the Atlanta Braves, will be re-evaluated Thursday or Friday before a decision is made. He has been nursing a similar, but less severe, aliment is his right leg this season as well.

Cesar Izturis, chc

The soreness in Izturis' lower back continues to be a problem, forcing him to miss the Dodgers' last two games. The shortstop, who was temporarily sidelined earlier this month with the same ailment, has been listed as day-to-day. In his absence, Oscar Robles shifted over to short, while Olmedo Saenz and Antonio Perez have been filling in at third base.

8/24/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez aggravated his strained left quadriceps while running to first base in the first inning of Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves. The third baseman, who has been nursing a similar ailment in his other leg for quite some time, was replaced in the Cubs' lineup by Jose Macias. He will be re-evaluated on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury.

8/23/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee went 2-for-3 in Monday's loss to the Atlanta Braves, belting his second home run in as many days, while also exending his current hitting streak to seven games. Over that span, the Cubs' first baseman is 10-for-23 (.435) with two doubles, two home runs and eight runs scored.

8/19/2005

Matt Murton, chc

With Jerry Hairston's activation from the 15-day disabled list on Friday, the Chicago Cubs have opened a roster spot by optioning Murton back to Triple-A Iowa. The 23-year-old outfielder has appeared in 23 games with the major league club this season, going 19-for-56 (.339) with one home run, four RBI and 11 strikeouts.

8/18/2005

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano tossed another gem in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros, giving up just one earned run on three hits and finishing just two outs shy of going the distance. He struck out 10 and walked three. The Cubs' righthander not only dominated on the mound, but he helped his own cause by belting a solo home run to lead off the third inning. For the season, he is 10-5 with a 3.07 ERA and one complete game in 25 outings.

8/16/2005

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch's return to the Chicago Cubs' rotation was a rough one, as he lasted just 3.2 innings before getting the hook in Monday's loss to the Houston Astros. Prior to his departure, the lefthander surrendered five runs on 10 hits, including a home run. He struck out four and walked two.

Wade Miller, chc

Miller won't make his scheduled start against Detroit on Tuesday. Bothered by biceps tendinitis, Miller may throw on the side Tuesday, but top pitching prospect Jon Papelbon has been recalled to face the Tigers at Comerica Park. Miller is 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 16 starts this season.

Matt Murton, chc

Murton notched the first home run of his major league career, belting a solo shot to deep right in the second inning of Monday's loss to the Houston Astros. The Cubs' rookie outfielder, who batted leadoff in the contest, finished the game 2-for-5.

8/15/2005

Jacque Jones, chc

The Minnesota Twins have decided not to put Jones on the 15-day disabled list -- at least for now -- after the right fielder took batting practice on Sunday. He has been battling a strained oblique muscle in his right side and had been unable to swing a bat without pain. If Jones hadn't shown any progress by Sunday, he was headed for the DL.

Wade Miller, chc

Miller will throw a session on the side Monday or Tuesday, marking the first time the Boston righthander has thrown since going on the disabled list following his start last Monday. Miller was bothered by shoulder stiffness, but he says the shoulder is feeling much better after doing a series of shoulder exercises during his week on the sidelines. He believes he'll be ready to return to the Boston rotation after a few side sessions.

8/13/2005

Jacque Jones, chc

A decision on whether to place Jones on the disabled list will likely come on Sunday. The outfielder has not played since Wednesday because of a strained right oblique muscle.

8/12/2005

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch will move back into the Chicago Cubs' rotation, according to manager Dusty Baker. The lefthander, who replaces the demoted Rich Hill as the team's No. 5 starter, is slated to take the mound against the Houston Astros on Monday.

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee now has 16 multihomer games in his major league career after clearing the outfield fence with two bombs in Thursday's win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs' first baseman connected for a three run homer in the fourth inning before going deep with a solo shot in the sixth.

Cesar Izturis, chc

Nursing a sore lower back, Izturis was held out of the Dodgers' lineup for Thursday's meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies. The injury is not considered serious, and the shortstop is expected to return to action this weekend. He is listed as day-to-day.

8/11/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

On Wednesday, Cubs manager Dusty Baker indicated that there was a possibility that Wood could be back in the starting rotation before the end of the season. However, team officials squashed the idea on Thursday, stressing that doctors have advised that the righthander be limited to 1-2 innings per game the rest of the 2005 campaign. Wood has been pitching in relief since coming off the disabled list, due to problems with his rotator cuff and labrum.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez plans to remain in the Cubs' starting lineup on a daily basis despite battling a nagging right quadriceps injury. However, if the Cubs fall out of the playoff race, he could see days off a little more often. In 110 games this season, the third baseman is batting .300 with 28 home runs and 81 RBI.

Juan Pierre, chc

The Florida Marlins are hoping Pierre's performance in Wednesday's meeting with the Arizona Diamondbacks is a sign that he is coming out of his recent slump. The outfielder went 2-for-4 wtih a walk, two stolen bases and three runs scored -- his best stat line in more than two weeks. Going into Wednesday's contest, Pierre was just 7-for-62 (.113) in his previous 15 games.

Rich Hill, chc

Hill has been optioned back to Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs after allowing 13 runs on 11 hits and six walks in his last 4.1 innings of work. The rookie lefthander, who will be replaced on the roster by John Koronka, is 0-2 with an 8.57 ERA in seven appearances with the Cubs this season, including four starts.

8/10/2005

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano's tight lower back has responded to treatment over the past couple of days, and barring any last-minute setbacks, he will take the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday as scheduled. The Cubs' righthander was forced to leave his last start after the back acted up in the third inning.

8/9/2005

Wade Miller, chc

Suffering from stiffness in his right shoulder, Miller was placed on the 15-day disabled list. He leaves the active roster with a 4-4, 4.95 record in 91 innings over 16 starts, with 64 strikeouts and 47 walks.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior struck out a season-high 11 in Tuesday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds, but with the scored tied at three, the Cubs' righthander left for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the seventh and did not figure into the decision. Before departing, he surrendered three runs on eight hits, including two home runs, and did not walk a batter.

Jerome Williams, chc

Williams had another rough outing at Wrigley Field, allowing seven runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings in a 9-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds Monday night. In three home starts since joining the Cubs in June, the righthander is 0-3 with a 6.11 ERA. He's surrendered four home runs in 17.2 innings in those games.

Ronny Cedeno, chc

Cedeno has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, opening a spot on the roster for outfielder Corey Patterson. Serving primarily as a backup with the Cubs, the 22-year-old shortstop has batted .259 with one home run and three RBI in 31 games (54 at-bats).

8/8/2005

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano lasted just three innings in Sunday's loss to the New York Mets, leaving in the fourth with tightness in his lower back. The ailment, which has bothered him on and off during his career, according to manager Dusty Baker, is not considered serious at this point. He will be re-evaluated on Monday.

8/7/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood made his major league debut as a reliever Friday, working a scorless sixth inning of the Chicago Cubs' 9-5 loss to the New York Mets. Wood was activated from the disabled list prior to Friday's game, after missing a couple of weeks with inflammation in his pitching shoulder. It was his second stint on the DL for the troublesome shoulder, and he will be used in relief by the Cubs for the time being.

8/4/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood will be activated for Friday's game at New York and be available for relief duty in his new role as a bullpen member.

8/3/2005

Marquis Grissom, chc

Grissom was designated for assignment to make room for recently acquired Randy Winn on the Giants roster.

7/30/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

The one assignment that is certain for Nevin with the Texas Rangers is serving as the designated hitter against lefthanded hurlers. Because Nevin can catch, play either infield corner and in the outfield, he should get enough at-bats filling in at different positions. Nevin batted .256 with nine home runs and 47 RBI in 73 games for the Padres.

Kerry Wood, chc

The Chicago Cubs are expecting to remove Wood from the disabled list on Friday. Once activated, the pitcher will be used out of the bullpen for the first time in his career. This move is being made in the hopes of Wood being able to avoid further shoulder problems.

7/29/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Reportedly the San Diego Padres have completed a trade in which they will send Nevin to the Texas Rangers for righthander Chan Ho Park. The Padres' first baseman, who rejected a trade to Baltimore this week under the terms of his contract, told reporters on Friday that he was joining the Rangers. The deal is awaiting approval from the commissioner's office, which appears to be a mere formality.

Wade Miller, chc

Miller wsa scratched from his scheduled start on Friday night because of stiffness in his pitching shoulder. Boston manager Terry Francona said Miller could have made his start, but the 28-year-old righthander was replaced by Bronson Arroyo because Thursday's off day allowed the Red Sox to use Arroyo on regular rest. The skipper said Miller simply is getting some extra rest between starts. Miller is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday against Kansas City.

Adam Greenberg, chc

Greenberg received the medical go-ahead to return to active playing status, and will report to Double-A West Tennessee.

7/27/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

With Ramon Hernandez likely to undergo season-ending surgery on his ailing wrist, Nevin is expected to see some time behind the plate for the Padres, splitting the catching duties with Robert Fick. Earlier this week, the first baseman rejected a proposed trade that would have sent him to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Sidney Ponson.

7/26/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin will remain with the San Diego Padres after rejecting a proposed trade that would have sent him to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Sidney Ponson. The veteran first baseman has a no-trade clause in his contract that allows him to block deals to eight teams, one of which was the Orioles. In 71 games this season, Nevin is batting .263 with nine home runs and 47 RBI.

7/25/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

The proposed Baltimore-San Diego trade that would ship Nevin to the Orioles in exchange for righthander Sidney Ponson is officially on the table, and Nevin has until Tuesday night to accept or reject the deal. The Padres' slugger flew home from Philadelphia with his NL West-leading teammates after they lost their seventh straight game, and planned to spend Monday's off day discussing the possible move to Baltimore with his family.

Neifi Perez, chc

The second grand slam of Perez' career couldn't have come at a better time, as the shortstop cleared the right-field fence with a low liner in the 10th inning of Sunday's 8-4 extra-inning victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The homer was the only hit in the game for Perez in five at-bats.

Henry Blanco, chc

Blanco improved his season batting average from .176 to .211, going 4-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's extra-inning victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs' reserve catcher matched his career high for hits in a game with the performance.

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood reported improvement in his troublesome pitching shoulder after throwing over the weekend, but the Cubs have placed him on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 21. The righthander, who left his last start with discomfort and inflammation in the shoulder, received a cortisone shot on Thursday in hopes that the injection would help alleviate the pain. He will be replaced on the roster and in the starting rotation by Rich Hill.

Rich Hill, chc

Hill has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, filling the roster spot of the injured Kerry Wood, who is back on the 15-day disabled list with continued right shoulder problems. Hill, a lefthander, made three relief appearances with Chicago earlier this season, posting a 4.76 ERA. He will get the nod against the San Francisco Giants on Monday.

7/24/2005

Marquis Grissom, chc

The Giants activated Grissom from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday prior to San Francisco's matchup against the Marlins. The veteran outfielder has been out of the lineup since June 12 with a partially torn left hamstring. He is hitting just .211 on the season, with a .293 slugging percentage.

7/23/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

San Diego is dicussing a trade that would send Nevin to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Sidney Ponson. But the team has yet to ask Nevin to waive his limited no-trade clause in order to complete the deal. Baltimore is one of eight teams to which Nevin can block a trade.

7/21/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

After further evaluation, Wood has been diagnosed with inflammation in his troublesome pitching shoulder. The Cubs' righthander, who left Wednesday's start after just three innings of work, received a cortisone shot on Thursday in hopes of reducing the swelling and alleviating the pain. He will miss at least one start, but a trip to the 15-day disabled list in not expected at this point. He'll be re-evaluated in a couple of days to determine his status.

7/20/2005

Marquis Grissom, chc

Grissom will remain on a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Fresno through the weekend, but as long as no problems are reportd with his troublesome hamstring, he should be activated from the 15-day disabled list early next week. The Giants' veteran outfielder has been sidelined since straining his right hamstring more than a month ago.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez notched his second multihomer game of the 2005 campaign, belting a three-run bomb to right-center field in the third inning of Tuesday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds, then adding a two-run shot to center in the ninth. He has homered in four of his last five games, including three straight.

7/19/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin will be in the Padres' starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the New York Mets after being activated from the 15-day disabled list on Monday. The first baseman has been sidelined since straining his left oblique muscle while taking batting practice on June 21. In 66 games this season, he is batting .268 with nine home runs and 47 RBI.

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee posted the 15th multihomer game of his major league career and became the first player in the major league to reach 30 home runs this season, belting a pair of solo shots in Monday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs' first baseman nailed a Brandon Claussen pitch to left field in the first inning before clearing the center-field fence in the third. He finished the game 2-for-5 with a walk and three runs scored.

Wade Miller, chc

Miller took the loss in Boston's 3-1 defeat at the hands of Tampa Bay on Monday. The 28-year-old righthander hasn't picked up a "W" since May 31, and he's gone 0-3 with a 5.10 ERA in eight starts since then. For the season, Miller is 2-4 with a 5.01 ERA in 13 outings.

Matt Murton, chc

Murton got the starting nod in Monday's meeting against the Cincinnati Reds and took full advantage of the playing time, notching a career-high four hits in a 9-4 victory. The Cubs' rookie outfielder, who was recalled just prior to the All-Star break, is 7-for-17 (.412) with an RBI and three strikeouts in seven games with the major league club.

7/17/2005

Michael Barrett, chc

As a precautionary measure, Barrett was limited to pinch-hitting duties in Saturday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates, due to a sore left hip. The catcher, who was replaced in the Cubs' starting lineup by Henry Blanco, said he hopes to return to regular action on Sunday.

7/15/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

According to Padres' manager Bruce Bochy, Nevin likely will be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for next Tuesday's meeting against the New York Mets. The first baseman has been sidelined since straining his left oblique muscle while taking batting practice on June 21.

Adam Greenberg, chc

Greenberg is still feeling a bit woozy after taking a pitch off the back of his helmet last weekend, so the Chicago Cubs have decided to place him on the 15-day disabled list. The rookie outfielder, who was making his major league debut when he got beaned, will be replaced on the roster by veteran Ben Grieve.

7/11/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

After missing several days with a strained left shoulder, Lee returned to the Chicago Cubs' lineup over the weekend and had a successful time against the Florida Marlins, his former club. In two games, the first baseman went 3-for-7 with a double, two home runs, three walks and five RBI.

Adam Greenberg, chc

Greenberg underwent a precautionary CT scan on Sunday, a day after being hit on the back of the head by a pitch in a game against the Florida Marlins. The tests revealed no significant problems, and the Cubs' rookie hopes to be available immediately after the All-Star break.

7/10/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee returned to the Cubs' starting lineup Saturday, and promptly blasted his 26th home run of the season in the fourth inning.

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood enjoyed his longest outing since September 1, 2004, when he went seven and two-thirds innings in an 8-2 victory over the Florida Marlins Saturday. Wood threw 105 pitches, allowing six hits, two runs and a walk while striking out four.

Adam Greenberg, chc

On the first major league pitch he saw - or didn't see - Greenberg was beaned in the back of his head by a Valerio de los Santos delivery. Greenberg did not lose consciousness and was able to walk off the field.

7/8/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee was held out of Thursday's doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, due to his sore left shoulder. The Cubs' first baseman reportedly has been battling the minor problem for a couple of weeks, according to manager Dusty Baker, but he aggravated the injury while swining during his first at-bat in Tuesday's loss to the Atlanta Braves and was forced to leave two innings later. Todd Walker has been filling in at first base in Lee's absence.

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee took batting practice today and announced that he will be ready to return to the Cubs lineup Saturday against the Marlins.

Adam Greenberg, chc

Looking to add a spark in the outfield, the Chicago Cubs have recalled Greenberg Double-A West Tenn. In 74 games with the minor league club this season, the outfielder, who takes the roster spot of the struggling Jason Dubois, was batting .278 with four home runs and 28 RBI.

Matt Murton, chc

The struggling Corey Patterson was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, opening a spot on the Cubs' roster for Murton, who was recalled from Double-A West Tenn. In 78 games with the minor league club this season, the outfielder was batting .342 with eight home runs and 46 RBI.

7/7/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin still is not ready to come off the 15-day disabled list, and the Padres don't intend to rush him back. The first baseman has been sidelined since straining his left oblique muscle while taking batting practice on June 21, and he likely will not return until after the All-Star break.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior was unable to make it out of the fifth inning in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, allowing six runs on seven hits, including a three-run homer by veteran first baseman Julio Franco. The Cubs' righthander had some control problems throughout the day, walking four batters. He threw 63 of his 102 pitches for strikes and fanned five.

7/6/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

After undergoing an MRI, Lee has been diagnosed with mild inflammation in his left shoulder. The Cubs' first baseman reportedly has been battling the minor problem for a couple of weeks, according to manager Dusty Baker, but he aggravated the injury while swining during his first at-bat in Tuesday's loss to the Atlanta Braves and was forced to leave two innings later. Lee will be absent from the lineup on Wednesday, but hopes to be back in action as early as Thursday.

7/5/2005

John Mabry, chc

Filling in for the injured Reggie Sanders, Mabry took advantage of the added playing time, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a walk and two RBI in Monday's 10-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cardinals' utilityman has appeared in 54 games this season, batting .268 with four home runs and 22 RBI.

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee left the Cubs game on Tuesday night with an apparent leg injury. During his at bat in the first inning, Lee hopped out of the batters box, seeming to favor his right leg. He continued the at bat, but was then removed in two innings later for a replacement. There was no immediate announcement on his status, it appears as if the Cubs may be cautious with their All-Star first baseman.

Cesar Izturis, chc

Just two days after the Dodgers placed their star rightfielder J.D. Drew on the disabled list, they will now place their All-Star shortstop Cesar Izturis on the DL as well. Izturis has been slowed by a sore right hamstring for nearly a month, and hasn't played since last week when he had his first hit in over 20 at bats. For the season, Izturis is batting .275 with one home run and 20 runs batted in.

Cesar Izturis, chc

Just two days after the Dodgers placed outfielder J.D. Drew on the disabled list, they will now place their All-Star shortstop Cesar Izturis on the 15-day DL as well. Izturis has been slowed by a sore right hamstring for nearly a month, and hasn't played since last week, when he had his first hit in over 20 at-bats. For the season, Izturis is batting .275 with one home run and 20 RBI. Until Izturis returns, Oscar Robles likely will see the majority of time at short.

7/4/2005

Cesar Izturis, chc

Izturis has been absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup since receiving a cortisone shot in his troublesome right hamstring late last week. However, the shortstop could be back in action as early as Monday, according to manager Jim Tracy. Until Izturis returns, Oscar Robles likely will see the majority of time at short for LA.

7/2/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Sidelined since being hit just below his left knee by a pitch on Thursday, Ramirez was back in the Cubs' starting lineup on Saturday.

Cesar Izturis, chc

Izturis was scratched from the Dodger lineup on Friday when he woke up on Thursday and then again on Friday with a strained right hamstring. Izturis was given a cortisone injection following a negative MRI scan.

7/1/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Tests have revealed that Ramirez has a deep bone bruise on his left shin, just below his knee, an injury suffered when he was hit by a Chris Capuano pitch in the fifth inning of Thursday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs have listed the third baseman, who was 2-for-2 with a run scored prior to his departure, as day-to-day. He will be re-evaluated prior to Friday afternoon's matchup with the Washington Nationals to determine his availability.

6/29/2005

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch has been bumped to the bullpen by the Chicago Cubs, opening a spot in the starting rotation for righthander Kerry Wood, who is slated to return to action against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. In 21 appearances this season, including 10 starts, the lefthanded Rusch is 5-3 with a 3.13 ERA and one shutout.

Kerry Wood, chc

As anticipated, Wood has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago Cubs, and he will make his first start in nearly two months when he takes the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The righthander, who has been sidelined with a strained pitching shoulder, has toed the rubber just five times for the Cubs this season, going 1-1 with a 6.15 ERA while striking out 33, walking 14 and allowing five home runs in 26.1 innings of work.

Kerry Wood, chc

Making his first start in nearly two months, Wood tossed six solid innings in his return to the mound for the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. The righthander, who had been sidelined with a strained pitching shoulder, held the Milwaukee Brewers to one run on two hits before departing, but did not figure into the decision. He threw 91 pitches, struck out nine and walked two.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Posting the shortest outing of his major league career in his previous start (1.2 innings), Zambrano returned to form in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over the Milwaukee. The righthander, who was lit up for eight earned runs by the Brewers last week, scattered just three hits over eight shutout innings to notch his fifth win of the 2005 campaign. He struck out six and walked three.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Posting the shortest outing of his major league career in his previous start (1.2 innings), Zambrano returned to form in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Milwaukee. The righthander, who was lit up for eight earned runs by the Brewers last week, scattered just three hits over eight shutout innings to notch his fifth win of the 2005 campaign. He struck out six and walked three.

Jerome Williams, chc

With Mark Prior and Kerry Wood returning to action over the past week, the Chicago Cubs were forced to make some moves to create spots in their starting rotation. Williams was a candidate to shift to a relief role, but instead, he will continue to handle the team's No. 5 starter duties for the time being. Glendon Rusch and Sergio Mitre now will pitch in relief.

6/28/2005

Ronny Cedeno, chc

Cedeno's hot hitting at Triple-A Iowa has earned him his second callup of the 2005 campaign. The young infielder, who will join the Cubs in time for Tuesday night's meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers, was batting .371 with seven home runs, 30 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 52 games with the minor league club this season. He takes the roster spot of the demoted Enrique Wilson.

6/27/2005

Tony Womack, chc

When Hideki Matsui is ready to return to the New York outfield, he may return to left and force Womack to center. The Yankees are thinking about having Womack and Bernie Williams share center field while keeping Matsui at one position as the full-time player.

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin has been slow to recover from the strained left oblique he suffered while taking batting practice early last week. As a result, the San Diego Padres have decided to place the first baseman on the 15-day disabled list to give him ample time to recover. The move was made retroactive to June 21, meaning Nevin can return to action as early as July 6. To fill the void on the roster, outfielder Ben Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Portland.

Kerry Wood, chc

Barring any last-minute setbacks, Wood will be activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago Cubs and take the mound against Ben Sheets and the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The righthander, who has been sidelined for more than six weeks with a strained pitching shoulder, made three minor league rehab starts with Triple-A Iowa and reported no major problems.

Mark Prior, chc

As anticipated, Prior was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago Cubs in time to take the mound against the crosstown-rival White Sox on Sunday. The righthander, who missed a month with a non-displaced compression fracture near his pitching elbow, did not miss a beat in his return, allowing just one hit in six shutout innings. He struck out three and did not walk a batter.

Roberto Novoa, chc

On Saturday, the Chicago Cubs optioned Todd Wellemeyer to Triple-A Iowa and recalled Novoa from the same affiliate. In two previous stints with the Cubs this season, the 25-year-old Novoa was 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in eight relief appearances.

Rich Hill, chc

Hill was optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, opening a spot on the roster for starter Mark Prior, who returned to the mound to face the White Sox on Sunday. Making just three relief appearances in his short stint with the major league club, Hill, a lefthander, allowed three runs on three hits in 5.2 innings of work. He struck out nine and walked three.

6/25/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood made his third rehab start at Triple-A Iowa on Friday, and now feels that he is ready to return to the Cubs. Wood's fastball has been clocked in the upper 90s, and in his Friday start he only allowed one run on four hits through six innings. The former All-Star has been on the disabled list since May 3. He is the scheduled Cubs starter for Wednesday against the Brewers.

6/24/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee extended his current hitting streak to 11 games, going 3-for-4 with a walk, pair of home runs, three RBI and three runs scored in Thursday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs' first baseman connected for a two-run homer in the top of the first inning, then added a solo shot in the fourth. Lee currently leads the majors in batting average (.395) and home runs (22), and ranks second in RBI (64) for the season.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Going 2-for-4 with an RBI in Thursday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, Ramirez now has hit safely in 10 consecutive games. Over that span, the Cubs' first baseman is 17-for-40 (.425) with four doubles, four home runs and 12 RBI. He's driven in at least one run in his last four contests.

6/23/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

After further evaluation, Nevin is expected to miss at least the next 4-5 days, according to Bruce Bochy, after straining his oblique muscle while taking batting practice on Tuesday. A trip to the 15-day disabled list has yet to be ruled out completely, but it doesn't appear necessary at this point. Mark Sweeney, Ryan Klesko and Paul McAnulty all could see time at first base in Nevin's absence.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano turned in the shortest outing of his major league career, lasting just 1.2 innings before getting the hook in Wednesday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs' righthander retired the side in order in the first inning, but got into trouble in the second, allowing a career-high eight earned runs on seven hits and a walk prior to his departure.

6/22/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin might land on the 15-day disabled list after straining an oblique muscle during batting practice Tuesday afternoon. The Padres' first baseman, who was scratched from the lineup Tuesday night, will be re-evaluated on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury. Manager Bruce Bochy seemed very concerned about the ailment after the game.

Jerome Williams, chc

Except for a pair of solo home runs by Bill Hall, Williams was able to silence the Brewers' bats in his debut with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. The 23-year-old righthander, who was acquired from the San Francisco Giants last month, allowed just three hits over seven solid innings, striking out six and walking four.

6/21/2005

Mark Prior, chc

According to Cubs manager Dusty Baker, there is a chance that Prior will be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time to take the mound against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. The righthander, who has missed more than three weeks with a non-displaced compression fracture near his pitching elbow, was scheduled to pitch a simulated game on Wednesday, but the club decided to move the session up to Tuesday.

Jerome Williams, chc

The Chicago Cubs have recalled Williams from Triple-A Iowa. The 23-year-old righthander will face the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night, after going 1-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts for the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate since being acquired in a late-May trade with the San Francisco Giants.

Cliff Bartosh, chc

To make room for Jerome Williams on the major league roster, the Chicago Cubs outrighted Bartosh to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. The 25-year-old lefthander was 0-2 with a 5.49 ERA in 19 relief appearances with the Cubs this season.

6/20/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Although he had some trouble locating his fastball in the second inning, Wood reported being pain-free following Sunday's minor league rehab start for Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs' righthander, who has been sidelined for nearly six weeks with a strained pitching shoulder, tossed 43 of 69 pitches for strikes, allowed two earned runs on four hits, fanned six and walked three.

Cesar Izturis, chc

After missing the Dodgers' previous four games with a tight right hamstring, Izturis was back at the top of the order for Sunday night's meeting with the Chicago White Sox. The shortstop struggled in his return, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout and sacrifice bunt.

Mark Prior, chc

Either Wednesday or Thursday, Prior will throw another simulated game after not reporting any major problems following his session last Friday, according to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry. The righthander, who has missed more than three weeks with a non-displaced compression fracture near his pitching elbow, reportedly could return to the club's starting rotation as early as next week, skipping any minor league rehab stint.

Jerome Williams, chc

In need of a fifth starter, the Chicago Cubs will recall Williams from Triple-A Iowa in time for him to take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday. The righthander has gone 1-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts for the club's Triple-A affiliate since being acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants late last month. Williams has made four appearances at the major league level this season, including three starts, going 0-2 with a 6.48 ERA.

6/18/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood is scheduled to make another minor league rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior threw a four-inning simulated game on Friday, and appears to be progressing quickly in his recovery from the fractured right elbow he suffered on May 27. Prior plans to pitch another simulated game on Sunday, however, there is still no timetable for the pitcher's return.

6/17/2005

Cesar Izturis, chc

Izturis has been sitting with tightness in his right hamstring. The Dodgers' shortstop was on the sidelines both Wednesday and Thursday, and he could be out Friday as well. Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said Izturis will sit until he's fully healthy.

Jerome Williams, chc

The Cubs need a fifth starter next Tuesday in Milwaukee, and one option is Rich Hill, a lefthander known for his curveball who was recalled on Wednesday. Apparently Cubs brass now is considering Williams, who was acquired from San Francisco in the LaTroy Hawkins trade on May 28. Williams had struggled before the deal, but he has gone 1-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts for the Cubs' Triple-A Iowa affiliate since the move.

Rich Hill, chc

The Cubs need a fifth starter next Tuesday in Milwaukee, and one option is Hill, a lefthander known for his curveball who was recalled on Wednesday. Apparently Cubs brass also is considering Jerome Williams, who was acquired from San Francisco in the LaTroy Hawkins trade on May 28. Williams had struggled before the deal, but he has gone 1-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts for the Cubs' Triple-A Iowa affiliate since the move.

6/15/2005

Rich Hill, chc

Before the Cubs took a beating at the hands of the Florida Marlins Wednesday, they optioned John Koronka to Triple-A Iowa and recalled Hill from the same affiliate. The 25-year-old lefthander arrived in time to pitch an inning and allow two runs to the Marlins, who outscored the Cubs, 15-5.

6/14/2005

Marquis Grissom, chc

On Monday, two San Francisco regulars were placed on the 15-day disabled list: Grissom with a right hamstring strain and third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo with a left quadriceps strain. Grissom had just returned a week ago from a right knee contusion that had sidelined the outfielder for two weeks.

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood made his first minor league rehab start since straining his right shoulder in late April, allowing one run on three hits in three innings for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Monday night. The Cubs' righthander, who turns 28 on Thursday, threw 46 pitches -- most in the low 90s -- and had three strikeouts. He did not throw any curveballs.

6/13/2005

Carlos Zambrano, chc

The X-rays of Zambrano's big left toe, which he injured slding into second base on Friday night, came back negative. The Cubs' righthander was feeling better by the end of the weekend, and he is expected to be ready for his next start this Friday. With a 4-3 record and 3.19 ERA in 13 starts, Zambrano should take the hill against New York at Yankee Stadium.

6/11/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood is scheduled to begin his rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Iowa on Monday. The pitcher is expected to make two or three starts with the farm club. Wood, on the DL with shoulder problems since May 3, threw on the side Saturday. Earlier in the week, he threw a three-inning simulated game.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

After giving up four runs in five innings, Zambrano left Saturday's game when he injured the big toe on his left foot sliding into second base. Zambrano tried to throw warmup pitches in the top of the sixth, but felt he could not continue pitching. Zambrano will be taken in for precautionary X-rays.

6/9/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin came down with a stomach virus and wasn't in the Padres' lineup on Wednesday, but he's back on the field Thursday afternoon for the finale of San Diego's interleague series with Cleveland.

6/8/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood is inching closer to a return to the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation, as he continues to recover from an inflamed pitching shoulder. The righthander, who has reported no problems in his bullpen sessions over the last couple of weeks, is scheduled to throw a simulated game at Wrigley Field prior to Wednesday's meeting with the Toronto Blue Jays. He will be re-evaluated after the workout to get an update on his status.

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett had a productive night at the plate in Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, going 3-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs. Over his last four games, the Cubs' catcher is 8-for-16 (.500) with two doubles, two home runs, five RBI and four runs scored.

6/6/2005

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano walked three batters in the first inning of Sunday's matchup with the San Diego Padres, but none failed to score. The Cubs' righthander got back on track following the rough start, surrendering just three hits in seven shutout innings to record the victory. He has allowed only three earned runs over his last 29 innings (four starts), but has just one win to show for it.

6/5/2005

Roberto Novoa, chc

Novoa has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, opening a spot on the roster for fellow reliever Mike Remlinger, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday. In eight appearances with the major league club this season, Novoa has posted a 1-1 record and 4.50 ERA.

6/4/2005

Marquis Grissom, chc

Grissom went 1-for-4 on Saturday against the New York Mets, just hours after coming off the disabled list. The Giants' outfielder has been out since May 20 with a knee contusion.

6/3/2005

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch notched the third shutout of his major league career and first complete game in two years, blanking the San Diego Padres in Thursday's 5-0 victory. The Cubs' lefthander scattered four hits over nine innings, striking out seven and walking one. He has won three straight starts, allowing just two runs in 24 innings over that span.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

As anticipated, Ramirez returned to the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with the San Diego Padres. The third baseman sprained his right ankle while running the bases in Tuesday's victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and was held out on Wednesday as a precautionary measure. He went 1-for-5 with an RBI in Thursday's contest to extend his current hitting streak to seven games.

6/2/2005

Neifi Perez, chc

Perez extended his current hitting streak to 10 games, going 4-for-5 with a double, home run and three RBI in Wednesday's victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over that span, the Cubs' veteran infielder is 19-for-45 (.422) with four doubles, two home runs, nine RBI and two stolen bases.

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee continued his scorching pace in Wednesday's victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, matching a career high with five hits. The Cubs' first baseman, who finished the game a perfect 5-for-5 with a homer and four RBI, currently leads the National League in each of the Triple Crown categories. He is batting .380 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 51 games. In addition, Lee has scored 41 runs and swiped nine bases.

Kerry Wood, chc

Although he's still another couple weeks away from taking the mound for the Chicago Cubs, Wood continues to work his way back from the inflamed right shoulder that has kept him sidelined for more than a month. After throwing all his pitches in a bullpen session on Wednesday, the righthander reported no problems, and he hopes to expand his workouts over the next several days.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez sprained his right ankle while running the bases in Tuesday's victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and was held out of the Cubs' lineup on Wednesday as a precautionary measure. The third baseman, who was replaced by Enrique Wilson, has heated up recently, stringing together a six-game hitting streak and improving his season batting average by more than 40 points over that span. He has three hits in each of his last three games.

Mark Prior, chc

According to both manager Dusty Baker and trainer Mark O'Neal, Prior should be back in the Cubs' starting rotation by the All-Star break. The righthander suffered a non-displaced compression fracture near his pitching elbow when he was struck by a line drive during last Friday's game against the Colorado Rockies and has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. He will not be allowed to resume throwing until the swelling in his elbow subsides.

6/1/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Just missing a home run, Nevin notched the 1,000th hit of his major league career with a run-scoring triple off the center-field fence in the sixth inning of Tuesday's victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Padres' first baseman went 2-for-3 with a walk on the night and extended his current hitting streak to seven games. Over that span, he is 13-for-30 (.433) with two home runs and 11 RBI.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano allowed just one hit and an unearned run in eight solid innings of work, but did not figure into the decision in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs' righthander, who struck out nine batters and walked two, has held opposing teams to a single hit in three different starts this season.

5/30/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez appeared to be getting back on track in the Cubs' four-game series against the Colorado Rockies over the weekend, going 7-for-17 with a double, two home runs and seven RBI. In his previous nine contests going into the series, the third baseman had just three hits in 31 at-bats (.097), fanning six times.

5/29/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee enjoyed his second consecutive two-homer game Saturday against the Colorado Rockies, clouting his 15th and 16th roundtrippers of the season in the Cubs' 5-1 win. He now leads the National League in home runs, RBI (45) and slugging (.720), and ranks second with a .357 batting average.

Roberto Novoa, chc

Novoa was recalled from Triple-A Iowa, replacing the departed LaTroy Hawkins on the Cubs active roster.

Roberto Novoa, chc

Novoa was recalled from Triple-A Iowa.

5/28/2005

Mark Prior, chc

An MRI exam has revealed that Prior has a non-displaced fracture of his right elbow. The Cubs' righthander suffered a compression fracture near the elbow when he was struck by a line drive during the Cubs' win over Colorado on Friday afternoon. No timetable has been set for Prior's return, but he likely will be out for at least two months.

Jerome Williams, chc

The San Francisco Giants have traded Williams and fellow righthander David Aardsma to the Chicago Cubs for veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Williams won 10 games for the Giants as a rookie in 2004, but his year ended with elbow surgery.

David Aardsma, chc

The San Francisco Giants traded Aardsma and fellow righthander Jerome Williams to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, in exchange for veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Aardsma debuted with the Giants as a reliever in 2004, but he has spent the new season starting for Double-A Norwich. The 23-year-old righthander was 6-2 with a 2.93 ERA in nine games, allowing 44 hits over 46 innings while walking 13 and striking out 30.

5/27/2005

Mark Prior, chc

Prior left the Cubs' Friday afternoon game in the fourth inning after being struck in the right elbow by a hard line drive hit by Colorado's Brad Hawpe. The ball came back at Prior so fast that the righthander had no time to react. He collapsed and rolled in pain on the mound before walking off the field on his own.

Mark Prior, chc

X-rays on Prior's right elbow were negative, but the Cubs' righthander will undergo an MRI exam after taking a line drive off the elbow during the Cubs' win over Colorado on Friday afternooon. There's still no word on how long Prior may be out of action.

Mark Prior, chc

X-rays on Prior's right elbow were negative, but the Cubs' righthander will undergo an MRI exam after taking a line drive off the elbow during the Cubs' win over Colorado on Friday afternoon. There's still no word on how long Prior may be out of action.

5/26/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez put together an eight-game hitting streak earlier this month, but has fallen into a deep slump over the last 10 days. In his last nine games, the Cubs' third baseman has just three hits in 31 at-bats (.097) and has fanned six times. With Wednesday's 0-for-4 effort, Ramirez saw his batting average dip to a season-low .226.

5/24/2005

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch turned in his best performance of the 2005 campaign, allowing just one run on five hits over eight innings in a 4-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Monday. The Cubs' lefthander struck out six and walked one, improving to 3-1 on the season and lowering his ERA to 2.54. He has appeared in 15 games this year, including four starts.

5/23/2005

Mark Prior, chc

Tossing 126 pitches, Prior went the distance in Sunday's 4-3 victory over the crosstown rival Chicago White Sox, notching his first complete game of the season and fifth of his major league career. Despite surrendering three home runs, the Cubs' righthander scattered just six hits on the day, struck out seven and walked one.

5/21/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood began a light throwing program on Saturday after a MRI revealed that the inflammation in his right shoulder is almost all gane. The pitcher will be evaluated on a daily basis.

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood began a light throwing program on Saturday after an MRI exam revealed that the inflammation in his right shoulder is almost all gone. The Cubs' righthander will be evaluated on a daily basis.

5/20/2005

Marquis Grissom, chc

The San Francisco Giants placed Grissom on the 15-day disabled list on Friday, retroactive to May 18. The Giants' center fielder is out with a right knee contusion. He was batting .202 with a .241 OBP in 32 games this season.

John Mabry, chc

Mabry left the Cardinals' win over Philadelphia Wednesday with back stiffness, and the team's starting third baseman didn't play against the Phillies on Thursday. He's been the main man at the hot corner since Scott Rolen suffered a shoulder injury a little more than a week ago. Mabry is hitting .326 (15-for-46) with three doubles, two homers and eight RBI this season.

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood will see team doctor Stephen Gryzlo -- either on Friday or Monday -- and another MRI exam will be administered. If the doctor's visit takes place on Friday and the inflammation is down, Wood could start a throwing program as soon as this weekend.

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett has been bothered by stiffness in his throwing shoulder over the last week, but an MRI exam on Thursday revealed nothing more than inflammation. The Cubs' catcher didn't start the Friday afternoon opener between the Cubs and White Sox, giving way to Henry Blanco, but Barrett is likely to return to action over the weekend.

Juan Pierre, chc

Since going 5-for-5 against Colorado on May 8, Pierre has managed just five hits in 35 at-bats. That's a .143 average over a nine-game span, and the Marlins' center fielder has scored just four runs and driven in two during his slide. His on-base percentage in those nine games is .231.

Mike Fontenot, chc

To make room for Joe Borowski's return to the Cubs' bullpen, Fontenot was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa on Friday. His demotion marked the end of a one-week stint in Chicago. The second baseman also spent a dozen days with the club in April. In seven games, the patient prospect was 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and four runs scored.

5/18/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

After connecting for a solo shot two innings earlier, Lee belted a two-run game-winning homer in the top of the ninth inning of Tuesday's 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs' first baseman finished the contest a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored. He now has 11 multihomer games in his major league career.

Lee has been scorching the ball all season and currently leads the National League in home runs (12) and RBI (37), and he ranks third with a .372 batting average. Lee has appeared in at least 155 games each of the past five seasons, so don't expect him to be getting many days off, especially if he continues his hot hitting.

Ryan Dempster, chc

Dempster did not pitch in the Cubs' weekend series against the Washington Nationals because of a deep bruise in his right forearm, but he returned to the mound on Tuesday, notching his first save of the 2005 campaign in a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The righthander, who was named the team's closer just more than a week ago, needed just eight pitches to retire the side, striking out one batter.

The Cubs expect Joe Borowski to return to the bullpen within in the next week. At that time, they will determine to hand the closer duties over to him, or stick with Dempster for the time being. In nine appearances this season, including six starts, Dempster is 2-3 with a 5.50 ERA. He has 41 strikeouts and 23 walks in 37.2 innings of work.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez was absent from the Cubs' lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates, missing his third start in a week, due to a sore lower back. The third baseman played on Tuesday, but slightly aggravated the injury when he made a diving stop late in the contest. He should be available for pinch-hitting duties if needed on Wednesday.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

According to Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild, Zambrano threw in the bullpen on Wednesday as scheduled, and he reported being pain-free. The righthander, who was diagnosed with tennis elbow earlier this week, was scheduled to start against the Chicago White Sox on Friday, but will be pushed back to Saturday instead, purely as a precautionary measure. Veteran Greg Maddux will get the call on Friday.

5/17/2005

Chad Fox, chc

Diagnosed with ulnar neuritis in April, a recurring problem that he has suffered with that caused him to miss most of the 2004 season, Fox has been moved from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL. Fox had two chances to be the Cubs closer, but this set back won't see him earn any action for at least 2 more months.

Ronny Cedeno, chc

Cedeno has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, opening a spot on the roster for veteran infielder Enrique Wilson, who signed with the club on Tuesday. In 10 games since being recalled last month, Cedeno has gone 5-for-16 (.313) with a home run and two RBI.

Cedeno likely would have been demoted when Todd Walker returned to action later this week anyway.

5/16/2005

Tony Womack, chc

For the second time in four games, Womack stole four bases in a Yankees victory. Fresh off a move from second base to left field, Womack swiped four bags in New York's 6-4 win over Oakland on Sunday. Remarkably, he didn't score a run for the rejuvenated Yankees. On May 11, Womack stole four bags and scored three times in a victory over Seattle.

For the season, Womack is batting .287 with 10 stolen bases in 12 tries.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez had planned to play in Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals, but was a last-minute scratch due to some tightness in his lower back. The Cubs' third baseman, who missed last Wednesday's action with the same ailment, was replaced at the hot corner by Jose Macias. He has been listed as day-to-day. For the season, Ramirez is batting .250 with seven home runs and 18 RBI.

The Cubs have a light schedule this week, with off-days on Monday and Thursday. The time off will be welcomed by Ramirez, giving him some time to rest and receive treatment on his back. He should be in the lineup on Tuesday.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

An MRI on Zambrano's pitching arm revealed no structural damage, and the Cubs' righthander has been diagnosed with tennis elbow. Zambrano, who left in the fourth inning of Saturday's meeting with the Washington Nationals because of discomfort in his forearm and elbow, will rejoin the team in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. His availabilty for Friday's scheduled start against the Chicago White Sox will be determined after he throws a side session on Wednesday.

Zambrano hopes to be ready for Friday, but a decision won't be made until the team sees how he responds to Wednesday's side session. For now, consider him as day-to-day. In eight starts this season, Zambrano is 3-2 with a 4.09 ERA and one complete game. He has 46 strikeouts and 19 walks in 50.2 innings of work.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano, who left his start on Saturday after reporting discomfort in his right elbow and forearm during the fourth inning, is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The righthander and the Cubs are not overly concerned at this point, and have initially diagnosed the problem as tennis elbow. Zambrano has indicated that he plans to be ready for his next outing, scheduled for Friday against the White Sox.

5/15/2005

Carlos Zambrano, chc

In Saturday night's loss to the Nationals, Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano was forced to leave the game in the fourth inning with stiffness in his right forearm, now diagnosed to be tennis elbow. The righthander had been perfect through the first three innings, but gave up four runs before departing midway through the fourth inning. This is the second time Zambrano has been removed from a game this season due to this type of injury. Consider him day-to-day.

Although this has happened before, Zambrano is a surprisingly durable pitcher, and should be able to get past this setback. He has not been ruled out of his next start as of yet.

5/13/2005

Ryan Dempster, chc

Dempster will not be allowed to pitch in Friday's matchup with the Washington Nationals, but the Cubs expect him to be available at some point during the three-game weekend series. The righthander suffered a deep bruise on his right forearm when he was hit by a liner off the bat of Mike Piazza in the 10th inning of Wednesday's victory over the New York Mets, but tests revealed no major damage in the arm. He is listed as day-to-day.

Reportedly, the Cubs will turn to Michael Wuertz if there is a save situation over the next day or two. Dempster was named the team's closer last weekend and is expected to hold the job at least until Joe Borowski returns from a broken wrist, which could be within the next week. For the season, Dempster is 2-3 with a 5.65 ERA in eight appearances, including six starts.

5/12/2005

Tony Womack, chc

Womack ran wild on Wednesday, stealing four bases in the New York Yankees' 13-9 win over the Seattle Mariners. The Yankees' left fielder was 2-for-5 with three runs scored in the victory.

Womack hasn't let his move from second base to left field affect his productivity at the plate. Since taking over in left on May 3, he is 11-for-35 (.314) with eight runs scored in nine games. He's a .292 hitter for the season.

John Mabry, chc

Mabry is expected to get the majority of the starts at third base for the St. Louis Cardinals for at least the next couple of weeks. He takes the place of regular starter Scott Rolen, who will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a left shoulder injury when he collided with the Dodgers' Hee Seop Choi in a game earlier this week.

Mabry has appeared in 17 games this season, batting .313 with one home run and three RBI. He will be backed up by Scott Seabol and Abraham Nunez.

Ryan Dempster, chc

Dempster, who was named the Cubs' closer last weekend, might be forced to miss a few days after being hit by a liner off the bat of Mike Piazza in the 10th inning of Wednesday's victory over the New York Mets. The righthander was nailed on his pitching arm, just below the elbow in the fleshy muscle area of the forearm. Precautionary X-rays were negative, and Dempster was diagnosed with a deep bruise. He will be re-evaluated on Thursday to get an update on his status.

For now, the Cubs have listed Dempster as day-to-day. Although he failed to notch the save in Wednesday's game, Dempster recorded the win, going two innings, with one run on three hits, two strikeouts and one walk. For the season, he is 2-3 with a 5.65 ERA in eight appearances, including six starts.

5/11/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

After leaving Tuesday night's win over the New York Mets in the seventh inning with back spasms, Ramirez was held out of Wednesday afternoon's contest as a precautionary measure. With an offday on Thursday, the Cubs hope Ramirez will have enough time to rest and be ready for their weekend three-game series with the Washington Nationals.

Jose Macias started at the hot corner on Wednesday and went 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Officially, Ramirez is listed as day-to-day. He has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, including seven straight. For the season, Ramirez is batting .258 with six home runs and 17 RBI in 31 contests.

Michael Restovich, chc

Restovich is moving on to his fourth different major league team since spring training, as the Colorado Rockies have traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for a player to be named later. The outfielder, who also spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, was designated for assignment earlier this week after batting .290 with one home run and three RBI in 14 games with the Rockies.

With Craig Wilson sidelined for at least six weeks with a finger injury, Restovich will supply the Pirates with some much-needed depth in the outfield. He will join the team in time for Friday's meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers.

5/10/2005

Michael Restovich, chc

Restovich, who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay early last month, has been designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies. In 14 games, the outfielder batted .290 with one home run and three RBI. He will be replaced on the roster by relief pitcher David Cortes.

Restovich spent spring training with the Minnesota Twins, but was cut just prior to the start of the regular season before joining the Devil Rays. The Rockies will have 10 days to trade Restovich, release him or send him outright to the minor leagues.

Roberto Novoa, chc

Creating a roster spot for Jon Leicester, who got the starting nod against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, the Chicago Cubs have optioned Novoa to Triple-A Iowa. In his short stint with the major league club, Novoa made five relief appearances, going 0-1 with a 6.23 ERA.

Novoa returns to Iowa, where he was 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and two saves this season prior to being recalled.

5/9/2005

Ryan Dempster, chc

The Chicago Cubs officially have moved Dempster from the starting rotation into the closer role. The righthander was warming up during the ninth inning of Sunday's win over the Philadephia Phillies, but was not needed, as starter Carlos Zambrano went the distance. Dempster was scheduled to start against the New York Mets on Monday, but due to the recent switch, Jon Leicester will get the nod instead.

According to manager Dusty Baker, the move is definite, at least until Joe Borowski is activated from the disabled list, which should be within the next week or so. The team then will re-evaluate their bullpen setup. In six starts this season, Dempster is 1-3 with a 5.35 ERA. He worked out of the pen last year, posting a 1-1 record, 3.92 ERA and two saves in 23 relief appearances.

Juan Pierre, chc

After notching just four hits in his previous 29 at-bats, Pierre got back on track by going 5-for-5 with an RBI, run scored and three stolen bases in Sunday's loss to the Colorado Rockies. With his performance, the Marlins' outfielder tied a franchise record for hits in a single game.

Fantasy owner have to be elated with Pierre's baserunning on Sunday. Recording 45 or more stolen bases each of the past four seasons, Pierre had just two on the year going into Sunday's game. It appears he has fully recovered from the calf injury that limited him in spring training and early in the season.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

In Sunday's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, Zambrano notched his first complete game of the 2005 campaign, despite needing 136 pitches to do so. The Cubs' righthander allowed just one run -- a homer by Bobby Abreu in the sixth inning -- on five hits. He struck out five and walked three.

Zambrano isn't the most consistent pitcher, but he has the ability to work deep into games and normally posts high strikeout totals. In seven starts this season, he is 3-1 with a 3.61 ERA, including 42 strikeouts and 19 walks in 47.1 innings.

5/8/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Nevin was back in the San Diego lineup on Sunday after missing Saturday's tilt with the Cardinals due to back spasms. It was the first baseman's first missed game of the season. Despite the fact that he carried just a .258 batting average into Sunday's game, Nevin has hit safely in 19 of his previous 20 contests.

5/7/2005

Wade Miller, chc

Miller will make his season debut for the Red Sox on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners, as the starter in the second game of the day-night doubleheader.

5/5/2005

Cesar Izturis, chc

Izturis left Wednesday's loss to the Washington Nationals, due to soreness in his right ankle. The Dodgers' shortstop fouled a ball off his leg during an at-bat in the sixth inning and was able to remain in the lineup temporarily. However, he was pulled in favor of Norihiro Nakamura two innings later and has been listed as day-to-day.

With an off-day on Thursday, Izturis should have enough time to rest, recover and be ready for the Dodgers' next game, a Friday meeting with the Cincinnati Reds. He is batting .330 with one home run, 10 RBI and two stolen bases in 27 contests this season.

5/4/2005

Ryan Dempster, chc

Although the Cubs are still considering moving Dempster to the bullpen and using him in the closer role, the righthander will remain in the starting rotation for the time being, primarily due to Kerry Wood's shoulder injury. Dempster is scheduled to take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

With Chad Fox out indefinitely, Joe Borowski still working his way back from injury and LaTroy Hawkins struggling in the closer role, the Cubs have thought about using Dempster in save situations. However, with Wood sidelined, they need to keep him in the rotation. Dempster has made five starts this season, going 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA.

5/3/2005

Tony Womack, chc

After signing a two-year deal to be the New York Yankees' second baseman, Womack has his tenure at second base end after one month in the Bronx. With Bernie Williams battling a sore throwing elbow that compromises his defensive game, Hideki Matsui moves from left to center, and Womack steps in as the left fielder. Prospect Robinson Cano, recalled from Triple-A Columbus, takes over at second.

Womack was a regular in Arizona's outfield in 1999, but he's played just five games beyond the infield since then. Perhaps he'll be back at second before long -- if Cano struggles and George Steinbrenner instructs his front office to trade for a major league outfielder.

Glendon Rusch, chc

Cubs manager Dusty Baker has officially named Rusch the replacement for Kerry Wood in the team's starting rotation. Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday, giving Rusch the opportunity to start on Friday in his place.

Last season, Rusch went 3-1 with a 3.43 ERA while starting for an injured Wood. He is 2-0 with a 2.35 ERA in 11 games this season.

Kerry Wood, chc

The supraspinatus strain in Wood's pitching shoulder has landed him on the 15-day disabled list for the Chicago Cubs. The righthander, who has left his last two starts with discomfort in the shoulder, underwent tests on Monday, which revealed the injury. According to trainer Mark O'Neal, Wood will be shut down for three weeks, and then be re-evaluated to determine his status and set up a schedule to rehab and strengthen the shoulder.

Wood will need at least a couple weeks to get his arm back in shape after being totally shut down for the next three weeks. Don't expect him back until at least some time in June. The Cubs will fill the roster spot on Tuesday, and Glendon Rusch is expected to step into the starting rotation in Wood's absence. Wood is 1-1 in five starts with a 6.15 ERA.

Ryan Dempster, chc

With three off-days over the next couple of weeks, the Cubs likely will go with a four-man starting rotation, according to manager Dusty Baker. As a result, the team plans to use Dempster in relief, and could try him out as the closer, due to LaTroy Hawkins' struggles in the role and Chad Fox' elbow injury. Dempster has made five starts this season, going 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA.

Dempster's move might be temporary, especially with Joe Borowski slated to return within the next week or two. With Kerry Wood sidelined for at least three weeks, Glendon Rusch will fill the void in the starting rotation for the Cubs.

Wade Miller, chc

Miller has been told to treat his Tuesday night start for Triple-A Pawtucket much like he would treat his last spring training start before the beginning of the regular season. It's likely that Miller will join the Boston Red Sox' rotation after working for Pawtucket on Tuesday.

Miller could start for Boston as soon as Sunday, when the Red Sox host Seattle in the finale of a weekend series.

5/2/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

An MRI exam on Wood's ailing shoulder revealed a muscle strain that will force the Cubs' righthander to miss at least three weeks of action. He will not be able to throw for three weeks and then will be re-evaluated by team doctors to devise a strengthening program.

Wood is 1-1 in five starts with a 6.15 ERA.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior was solid through his first four innings of work in Sunday's game against the Houston Astros, but in the fifth, he surrendered a grand slam to Mike Lamb and a three-run homer to Adam Everett, both coming with two outs in the frame. Overall, the Cubs' righthander allowed a career-high eight runs on seven hits and three walks, despite striking out seven batters in five innings.

Prior had given up just two earned runs in his previous three starts combined -- all wins. With Sunday's performance, he saw his ERA jump from 0.95 to 3.75.

5/1/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood had no problems through the first two innings of Saturday's game against the Houston Astros, but he was forced to leave in the third, due to tendinitis in his pitching shoulder. The Cubs' righthander, who left his previous outing early with the same ailment, is scheduled to be re-evaluated in Chicago on Monday. Prior to his departure, he allowed three runs on four hits, struck out six batters and walked two.

Wood can't seem to shake the discomfort in his shoulder, and a trip to the 15-day disabled list might be necessary. His status will be updated after he undergoes some tests on Monday.

4/29/2005

Wade Miller, chc

While Miller pitched five shutout innings for Boston's Triple-A Pawtucket affiliate on Thursday night, don't look for a front-office push to get the 28-year-old righthander back in the majors sooner because of injuries to David Wells and Curt Schilling. Miller is expected to make at least one more minor league rehab start, which has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 3.

Miller gave up five hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings. His top radar reading was 91 MPH. He still may add a little velocity as he gains more arm strength. It looks like the Red Sox will give him more time to fine-tune his game.

4/27/2005

Phil Nevin, chc

Pinch-hitting in the eighth inning of Tuesday's loss to the San Francisco Giants, Nevin belted a two-run homer off closer Armando Benitez, extending his current hitting streak to 11 games. The Padres' first baseman has just one hit in each of those contests, so despite the string, he is batting just .222 for the season.

Nevin is batting a mere .174 with runners in scoring position this season, but he leads the Padres with 18 RBI. He's also tops on the club with four home runs.

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee extended his current hitting streak to 10 games, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two home runs and six RBI in Wednesday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs' first baseman, who had a two-run homer in the sixth inning and a three-run shot in the seventh, is 21-for-39 (.538) with four doubles, five home runs, 16 RBI and three stolen bases over that span.

Throughout his major league career, Lee has been a slow starter, hitting less than .250 in April and May. He's off to a blistering beginning to the 2005 campaign, currently claiming a .430 battting average.

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood, who is battling tendinitis in his pitching shoulder, reported no major problems after throwing on flat ground on Tuesday. The Cubs' righthander had trouble getting his shoulder loose prior to Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but took the mound anyway and notched his first victory of the season, despite being limited to 76 pitches. He will be ready for Saturday's scheduled start against the Houston Astros, according to manager Dusty Baker.

In four games this season, Wood is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA. He has 27 strikeouts in 23.1 innings, but has walked 12 batters and given up 24 hits, including five home runs, over that span.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano lasted just 4.2 innings in Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, as he was ejected for hitting outfielder Austin Kearns with a pitch following an Adam Dunn home run. The Cubs' righthander allowed six runs on seven hits and three walks prior to his departure and said the blister on his right index finger affected his control. He struck out five.

Zambrano could face a suspension for his actions in Tuesday's game. He will continue to receive treatment on the blister, and hopes to avoid missing any starts. For the season, Zambrano is 2-0 with a 4.31 ERA in five outings.

Michael Wuertz, chc

There was speculation that Wuertz could see the majority of the save situations for the Chicago Cubs in the coming weeks, considering Chad Fox is sidelined indefinitely with an elbow injury and LaTroy Hawkins has struggled in the closer role recently. However, the righthander pitched in middle relief on Tuesday, and manager Dusty Baker said each game's situation will determine who gets the ball in the final inning or two.

Baker indicated that Hawkins and lefthander Mike Remlinger are the top options, but Wuertz could figure into the mix as well. So, it appears the Cubs will go with a closer-by-committee approach, at least until Joe Borowski returns from his broken wrist or the team acquires a proven closer via trade. Wuertz has experience as a closer, notching 19 saves with Triple-A Iowa last season.

Roberto Novoa, chc

Novoa has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, taking the roster spot of the struggling Jon Leicester. In nine relief appearances with the minor league club this season, Novoa was 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and two saves.

Novoa gives the Cubs a much-needed fresh arm in the bullpen. He will pitch in middle relief.

4/26/2005

Chad Fox, chc

Fox walked off the mound in obvious pain after throwin a pitch in the ninth inning of Monday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs' reliever, who had claimed the primary closer role a day earlier, reportedly strained his pitching elbow, but the extent of the problem will not be known until he is re-evaluated on Tuesday. The Cubs have placed Fox on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Will Ohman to fill the void on the active roster.

Fox has had at least two surgeries on his pitching elbow and missed the majority of the 2004 campaign with ulnar neuritis. With Fox sidelined, the Cubs will have to determine who to call upon in save situations in upcoming games. LaTroy Hawkins has struggled in the role and pitched as a setup man on Monday. Joe Borowski could be handed the job, but he's still a couple weeks away from being fully recovered from a broken wrist.

Wade Miller, chc

Miller settled for a side session at Fenway Park Monday after a pair of Double-A Portland games were rained out over the weekend, eliminating his chances to make a minor league rehab start. The plan is to have Miller start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday.

While the Boston Globe has mentioned May 8 against Baltimore as a possible return date for Miller, manager Terry Francona won't commit to a planned return. The skipper says how Miller feels and looks eventually will determine when the righthander returns. Either way, look for Miller to take a few turns for Pawtucket before a proposed major league start is scheduled.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

The blister on the index finger of Zambrano's pitching hand has improved significantly over the past several days, according to Cubs manager Dusty Baker, and he will take the mound against the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday night, as scheduled. The righthander nearly went the distance in last Wednesday's victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, but left after pitching a solid 8.2 innings when the blister developed.

Obviously, the training staff will keep an eye on Zambrano's finger as the game goes on, but at this point, it does not appear that the blister will be a problem. In four outings this season, Zambrano is 2-0 with a 3.04 ERA, striking out 22 batters and walking nine in 26.2 innings of work.

Will Ohman, chc

With Chad Fox going on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow injury, Ohman has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs as a replacement in the bullpen. The lefthander has appeared in eight games with the minor league club this season, allowing four runs on four hits in 8.2 innings of work. He struck out 12, walked two and held opposing batters to a .138 average.

Fox recently had claimed the Cubs' closer role, so the team will have to look elsewhere to fill the void, possibly even asking LaTroy Hawkins to step back in. Ohman likely won't figure into the mix, as he will be used in middle relief.

Michael Wuertz, chc

With Chad Fox sidelined with an elbow injury and LaTroy Hawkins recent struggles in the closer role, the Cubs reportedly will turn to Wuertz in most save opportunities for the time being. The righthander has been solid in 11 relief appearances this season, going 1-0 with a 0.96 ERA. He's fanned nine batters and walked three in 9.1 innings of work.

The closer saga in Chicago continues. Wuertz likely will handle most of the save chances, at least until Joe Borowski returns from his broken wrist or the team acquires a proven closer via trade. Wuertz has experience as a closer, notching 19 saves with Triple-A Iowa last season.

4/25/2005

Neifi Perez, chc

If Perez can continue his hot hitting, it will lessen the blow of losing shortstop Nomar Garciaparra to a groin injury for the Chicago Cubs. Since Nomar went down late last week, Perez has stepped up his game, going 8-for-11 with a double, home run, two RBI and two runs scored in his last three contests.

Through 16 games, Perez is batting .396 with two home runs and eight RBI. He will continue to serve as the Cubs' primary shortstop and also could see a few starts at second base as well.

Chad Fox, chc

With LaTroy Hawkins struggling in the closer role, Cubs manager Dusty Baker has said that the situation at the end of each game will determine which pitcher will get the save opportunity. For the time being, it appears Fox is the top option on the list, at least until Joe Borowski returns from a broken wrist. Fox notched the save in Sunday's win over the Pirates, striking out two and walking one in a scoreless ninth.

The closer situation continues to be a concern for the Cubs. Fox should get a few save opportunities over the next couple of weeks, but it is not likely that he is the long-term option. In 10 relief appearances this season, he has a 3.52 ERA with 11 strikeouts and five walks in 7.2 innings.

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood had trouble getting his shoulder loose prior to Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he decided to take the mound anyway. The Cubs' righthander notched his first victory of the season, allowing two runs on three hits in five innings. He was limited to 76 pitches, striking out eight and walking three. Glendon Rusch took over for Wood in the sixth inning.

Wood, who described his shoulder as being "cranky" because of the cold weather, reportedly is still battling tendinitis. He hopes to avoid missing a start, but a final decision on his availability likely won't come until later this week. In four games this season, Wood is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA. He has 27 strikeouts in 23.1 innings, but has walked 12 batters and given up 24 hits, including five home runs, over that span.

Jerome Williams, chc

Not needing a fifth starter until late next week, the San Francisco Giants have optioned Williams to Triple-A Fresno. The righthander has struggled in his four appearances this season, going 0-2 with a 6.48 ERA. Veteran reliever Al Levine will fill the void on the roster.

Williams likely will get a start or two in the minors before rejoining the Giants' rotation. He has made 21 or more starts with San Francisco each of the past two seasons.

4/21/2005

Neifi Perez, chc

Chicago Cubs manager recently has been playing Perez on a daily basis because he's been swinging a hot bat. Now, with Nomar Garciaparra sidelined indefinitely with a groin injury, Baker will look to Perez to take over as the team's everyday shortstop. With Todd Walker still out as well, Jerry Hairston will handle the second-base duties, giving the Cubs a entirely different middle infield than they envisioned going into the season.

Despite notching just one hit in his last 13 at-bats, Perez is off to a solid start in 2005. He is batting .297 with a double, home run and six RBI in 13 games. Even though he'll be playing regularily, Perez has limited fantasy value, as he lacks power and probably won't drive in a lot of runs. He is a career .270 hitter.

Carlos Zambrano, chc

Zambrano nearly went the distance in Wednesday's victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, but left after pitching a solid 8.2 innings, due to a blister on the index finger of his pitching hand. Prior to his departure, the Cubs' righthander allowed just one run -- a solo home run by Albert Pujols -- on five hits. He struck out three and walked one.

After the game, Zambrano said his finger is sore, but he expects to be ready for his next start. He'll receive treatment and be evaluated on a daily basis. In four outings this season, Zambrano is 2-0 with a 3.04 ERA, striking out 22 batters and walking nine in 26.2 innings of work.

Ronny Cedeno, chc

Filling the roster spot of veteran Nomar Garciaparra, who will be sidelined indefinitely with a groin injury, the Chicago Cubs have recalled Cedeno from Triple-A Iowa. The infielder, who will be making his major league debut, was batting .348 with three home runs, six RBI and three stolen bases in 13 games with the minor league club this season.

Neifi Perez is expected to take over at shortstop in Garciaparra's absence and Jerry Hairston will fill in at second for the injured Todd Walker. As a result, Cedeno will serve as a backup with Chicago.

4/20/2005

Mark Prior, chc

Opposing teams still have yet to recored an earned run with Prior on the mound for the Chicago Cubs. The righthander, who was limited in spring training with inflammation in his pitching elbow, scattered four hits and allowed one unearned run over seven innings in Tuesday's 7-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Making his season debut, Prior tossed six shutout innings in a win over the Padres last week.

Through two starts, Prior is 2-0 with 12 strikeouts and three walks in 13 innings of work. Although he admits to not being back to full strength, it appears safe to have Prior in your lineup on a weekly basis. He finished the 2004 campaign 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA, striking out 139 batters in 118.2 innings, but made just 21 starts because of Achilles and elbow problems.

4/19/2005

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch would have remained on the mound in Monday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, but was pulled from the game after straining his groin while pitching a perfect seventh inning. The Cubs' lefthander will be re-evaluated on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury.

For now, Rusch has been listed as day-to-day. In six relief appearances this season, he is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA.

Glendon Rusch, chc

Rusch would have remained on the mound in Monday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, but was pulled from the game as a precautionary measure after experiencing some discomfort in his left groin while pitching a perfect seventh inning. The Cubs' lefthander will be re-evaluated on Tuesday, but he does not consider the injury serious. He should be available later this week.

For now, Rusch has been listed as day-to-day. In six relief appearances this season, he is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA.

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee continued his solid start to the 2005 season by going 2-for-4 with a home run -- estimated at 482 feet -- in Monday's 7-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. The Chicago Cubs' first baseman, who has hit safely in 10 of 13 games this year, has at least two hits in five of those contests.

For the year, Lee is batting .375 with three home runs, four doubles, 16 RBI, eight runs scored and one stolen base. He's also drawn 10 walks and is hitting .600 with runners in scoring position.

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood had another rough outing in Monday's loss to Cincinnati, but did not figure into the decision. The Cubs' righthander, who gave up seven runs on nine hits -- including three homers -- in last week's meeting with the Padres, surrendered five runs on eight hits in six innings against the Reds. Cincy outfielder Adam Dunn connected for a pair of solo shots off Wood.

Since Wood was limited for a couple weeks in spring training by bursitits in his pitching shoulder, he's still working on getting his arm back into regular-season form. Thus, a slow start to the 2005 campaign was probably predictable. Wood felt like he had his best stuff of the year in Monday's game, so expect him to get on track in the near future. Despite his struggles, Wood has fanned 19 batters in 18.1 innings.

Michael Barrett, chc

Barrett began the 2005 campaign by going 5-for-18 with two doubles, a home run and four RBI in his first four games. Since that time, the Cubs' catcher has been in quite a slump, going hitless in his last 21 at-bats, striking out four times. Over that span, he's seen his batting average plummet from .278 to .128.

Barrett hit .287 with 16 homers in his first season with the Cubs last year, so things should even out over the coming weeks. However, manager Dusty Baker might give backup Henry Blanco a few more looks, at least until Barrett can regain his confidence at the plate.

Wade Miller, chc

Miller made his second minor league rehab start on Monday at Boston's high Class-A Wilmington. The 28-year-old righthander allowed one earned run on six hits over five innings and struck out six. He didn't walk a batter and threw 47 of 67 pitches for strikes.

Miller's injury limited him to just 15 starts with the Houston Astros last season, and he went 7-7 with a 3.35 ERA in those contests. He should be ready to join the Red Sox in a couple of weeks.

4/15/2005

Wade Miller, chc

Miller gave up two runs on four hits over 4.2 innings in a minor league rehab start with Class-A Greenville on Wednesday. The Red Sox' righthander, who continues to recover from a frayed rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder, reported no major problems after tossing 73 pitches. He expects to make at least two more starts in the minors before joining Boston's rotation. His next outing is scheduled for Monday -- site to be determined.

Miller's injury limited him to just 15 starts with the Houston Astros last season, and he went 7-7 with a 3.35 ERA in those contests. He's still about 2-3 weeks from major league action.

4/14/2005

Mark Prior, chc

Prior made his season debut in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the San Diego Padres, allowing just four hits, striking out six and walking one over six shutout innings. He also helped his own cause, notching two hits and scoring a run. Limited in spring training by inflammation in his pitching elbow, the Cubs' righthander admitted that he has yet to get back into full game shape, but should regain his stamina over the next couple of weeks.

Prior is throwing pain-free, and it appears he should be fine going forward. He finished the 2004 campaign 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA, striking out 139 batters in 118.2 innings, but made just 21 starts because of Achilles and elbow problems.

4/13/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

Wood battled some control problems in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the San Diego Padres -- especially in the first inning -- and took the loss. The Chicago Cubs' righthander went 6.2 innings and allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on nine hits, including three home runs. He struck out six and walked two. 51 of Wood's 112 pitches came over the first two innings of the contest.

With the loss, Wood dropped to 0-1 on the season and saw his ERA jump from 3.18 to 5.84. In 22 starts last season, he was 8-9 with a 3.72 ERA. He struck out 144 and walked 51 in 140.1 innings.

4/12/2005

Aramis Ramirez, chc

The Cubs' Tuesday matchup with the San Diego Padres was postponed by rain, but if the two teams would have played, Ramirez reportedly would have been held out of the lineup. The third baseman has some tightness in his groin, and manager Dusty Baker did not want to risk Ramirez making the injury any worse by playing on a wet field. Ramirez, who was first bothered by the problem two days ago, said he plans to be available for at least one game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

The move to keep Ramirez out was purely precautionary, as he missed some time late last season with a similar ailment, but worked to strengthen the area during the offseason. Obviously, the Cubs will keep an eye on things over the coming days. Neifi Perez was in line to get the start in Ramirez' stead.

Mark Prior, chc

As anticipated, Prior has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago Cubs. The righthander, who missed some time with inflammation in his pitching elbow, was slated to take the mound against Jake Peavy and the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, but the game was postponed due to rain. He now will start the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader opposite Brian Lawrence. To make room on the roster, reliever Todd Wellemeyer was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Kerry Wood and Peavy will get the nod in Game 1. Limited to 21 starts by Achilles and elbow troubles last year, Prior finished the 2004 campaign 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA, striking out 139 batters in 118.2 innings.

4/11/2005

John Mabry, chc

Although the Cardinals do not believe a trip to the disabled list will be necessary, Mabry will be limited over the next few days because of a strained left hamstring. The reserve outfielder, who suffered the injury after singling late in Friday's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, will be evaluated on a daily basis.

The Cardinals are not going to rush Mabry back and risk further aggravation of the injury. He has just two at-bats so far this season. Last year, he hit .296 with 13 home runs and 40 RBI in 87 games.

Mark Prior, chc

After throwing 30 pain-free pitches in a bullpen session on Sunday, Prior declared himself ready to join the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation. The righthander, who had been limited by inflammation in his pitching elbow, will be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time to take the mound against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, as anticipated.

Prior said he could go as long as the Cubs need him, but manager Dusty Baker indicated the hurler will be on a pitch count. Limited to 21 starts by Achilles and elbow troubles last year, Prior finished the 2004 campaign 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA, striking out 139 batters in 118.2 innings.

4/9/2005

Juan Pierre, chc

After missing most of spring training with a calf muscle injury, Pierre was not in the Marlins' starting lineup Saturday, ending his streak of 299 consecutive starts. Jack McKeon said the move was made simply to give the outfielder a day off. In 2004, Pierre became just the third player in major league history to play every inning for his team.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior will pitch on Tuesday, but it won't be until Sunday that the Cubs determine whether Prior will be on the mound for the Cubs against the San Diego Padres or will make another rehab assignment in the minors.

4/8/2005

Wade Miller, chc

As scheduled, Miller took the mound in an extended spring training game on Thursday, tossing 60 pitches, most of which were fastballs, but a few breaking balls were included as well. The Red Sox' righthander, who continues to recover from a frayed rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder, is still optimistic that he will join the major league rotation by the end of the month.

Miller reported no major problems after Thursday's outing, and it appears he is on schedule in his rehab program. His injury limited him to just 15 starts with the Houston Astros last season, and he went 7-7 with a 3.35 ERA in those contests.

Mark Prior, chc

Prior showed a little rust and had a rough first inning in his minor league rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, allowing five runs and six hits. However, the Cubs' righthander, who is recovering from inflammation in his pitching elbow, settled down after that and allowed just two runs and three hits over his next five frames. With 88 total pitches, Prior finished with seven strikeouts and just one walk.

Prior reported no problems after Thursday's outing, and unless there is a last-minute change of plans, he is scheduled to be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time to take the mound against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field next Tuesday. Limited to 21 starts by Achilles and elbow troubles last year, Prior finished the 2004 campaign 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA, striking out 139 batters in 118.2 innings.

4/6/2005

Wade Miller, chc

Miller is scheduled to throw about 60 pitches in an extended spring training outing on Thursday, as he continues to recover from a frayed rotator cuff, an injury that forced him to miss the second half of the 2004 campaign. The Red Sox' righthander remains on the 15-day disabled list.

Miller continues to be optimistic that he will join the Red Sox' starting rotation by the end of the month. His status likely will be updated after Thursday's session. In 15 starts with the Houston Astros last season, he went 7-7 with a 3.35 ERA.

Michael Restovich, chc

The Colorado Rockies have claimed Restovich off waivers from Tampa Bay, as the outfielder heads to his third team in a week. He was let go by the Minnesota Twins during the closing days of spring training before joining the Devil Rays. He then was designated for assignment, opening a spot on the roster for veteran catcher Charles Johnson. He is expected to meet up with the Rockies on Friday in San Francisco.

The Rockies will need to make a corresponding move on Friday to make room for Restovich. With Dustan Mohr out for at least two weeks with a calf injury, Restovich could be asked to split time in right field with Brad Hawpe. He appeared in 61 games with Minnesota over the past three seasons, batting .274 with three homers and 11 RBI.

4/5/2005

Derrek Lee, chc

Lee got off to a solid start for the 2005 campaign, finishing a triple shy of hitting for the cycle in Monday's Opening Day victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Chicago Cubs' first baseman went 4-for-6 with two doubles, a home run and five RBI.

The Cubs are looking to fill the offensive void created by the offseason departures of Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou. Led by Lee and third baseman Aramis Ramirez, they posted 16 runs on Monday -- a club record for Opening Day. Lee batted .278 with 32 home runs, 98 RBI and 12 stolen bases last season, and he sat out just one game.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

In Monday's Opening Day victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ramirez showed why the Chicago Cubs were willing to give him the four-year, $42 million contract he agreed to earlier in the day. The third baseman pounded the ball, going 3-for-4 with a double, home run, four RBI, four runs scored and a walk.

Ramirez will be firmly planted at the hot corner and in the cleanup hole for the Cubs this year and beyond. In 145 games last season, he batted .318 with 36 home runs and 103 RBI -- his best season in the major leagues.

4/4/2005

Kerry Wood, chc

As scheduled, Wood made his last exhibition start on Sunday, tossing three solid innings in a game against Los Angeles Angels minor leaguers. The Cubs' righthander, who was limited as a precaution over the past couple of weeks because of bursitits in his pitching shoulder, allowed two hits, struck out four and walked one. He remains on pace to take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8.

Just to be safe, Wood might be on a pitch count in his first couple of starts this season, but his shoulder ailment no longer seems to be a problem. In 22 starts last season, Wood went 8-9 with a 3.72 ERA. He struck out 144 and walked 51 in 140.1 innings.

Aramis Ramirez, chc

Ramirez has agreed to a four-year, $42 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old third baseman wanted to get a new deal executed before the start of the regular season, and he came to terms with the club just prior to their Opening Day matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ramirez, who will get an $8 million salary this season and a $1 million signing bonus, had a career year in 2004, batting .318 with 36 home runs and 103 RBI in 145 games.

Ramirez' new deal has a mutual option for the 2009 campaign worth $11 million. He would have been eligible to become a free agent in November if an agreement would not have been reached.

Michael Restovich, chc

Restovich has been designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, opening a spot on the roster for veteran catcher Charles Johnson, who inked a one-year contract with the club on Monday. The outfielder was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins last week and expected to serve as a backup this season.

The Devil Rays have 10 days to trade Restovich, released him or outright him to the minor leagues. He appeared in 61 games with Minnesota over the past three seasons, batting .274 with three homers and 11 RBI.

4/3/2005

Mark Prior, chc

Prior will open the season on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his pitching elbow. The move will be made retroactive, and the Cubs' righthander should be eligible for activation next Sunday. Prior made a minor league start on Saturday, and struggled a bit with his command. Barring any setbacks over the next week, he is slated to start April 12 against the Padres.

Prior will make another minor league start later this week, likely with Triple-A Iowa. Limited to 21 starts by Achilles and elbow troubles last year, Prior finished the 2004 campaign 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA, striking out 139 batters in 118.2 innings.