The Cubs got relatively good news Friday about ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano.
The 27-year-old ace of the staff underwent an MRI arthrogram on his right shoulder, and the procedure revealed only strain, and no structural damage, according to the club. Zambrano left Wednesday night's start at Tampa Bay after 6 2/3 innings complaining of right-shoulder discomfort. He underwent a doctor's exam Thursday in Chicago and the MRI arthrogram Friday.
What it all means is that Zambrano will miss next Tuesday's scheduled start against Baltimore and possibly one more after that. The Cubs will meet Saturday to discuss their options as far as putting Zambrano on the disabled list.
To fill Zambrano's start next Tuesday, manager Lou Piniella said the Cubs likely will call up left-hander Sean Marshall from Class AAA Iowa (Des Moines). Marshall has pitched in 13 games for the Cubs this year, all in relief.
He started Thursday for Iowa and was strong, going eight innings and giving up four hits and one run to earn the victory.
CUBS 4, WHITE SOX 3: 3B Aramis Ramirez hit a pair of homers, one a walk-off job to center off Scott Linebrink leading off the bottom of the ninth. The Cubs trailed 3-1 in the seventh when 1B Derrek Lee and Ramirez hit back-to-back homers off Octavio Dotel to tie the game. LHP Ted Lilly worked 6 2/3 innings, giving up seven hits and three runs. RHP Kerry Wood (4-1) earned the victory by pitching a scoreless ninth.
