The timing wasn't great, but right-handed relief pitcher Carlos Marmol was named Sunday to replace right-hander Kerry Wood on the National League All-Star team.
Marmol gave up five hits and five runs in the ninth inning Saturday, enabling the Giants to tie the game at 7-7. The Cubs eventually won 8-7 in 11 innings. Manager Lou Piniella, who gave Marmol the All-Star news, would just as soon have Marmol take the rest of the week off until Friday, when the Cubs resume the season. Marmol struggled after a torrid start, putting up a 7.36 ERA in June and a 13.50 ERA this month.
Piniella often used Marmol in early-season blowouts, and Marmol may be feeling the effects. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild also has worked with Marmol on his posture (getting him to stand more upright). The Cubs have looked at tapes to see if Marmol has been tipping his pitches. No evidence of that has been found, according to the Cubs.
If Marmol struggles to open the second half, it's likely right-hander Bob Howry will play a more important setup role, as may right-hander Chad Gaudin, obtained last week in the Rich Harden trade.
GIANTS 4, CUBS 2: RHP Ryan Dempster gave up four runs in 6 2-3 innings Sunday as he fell for the first time at home after opening 10-0 at Wrigley Field. The Giants got three in the third and one in the seventh. LHP Neal Cotts and RHP Chad Gaudin pitched scoreless ball the rest of the way for the Cubs. 1B Derrek Lee had two of the Cubs' eight hits. CF Jim Edmonds had an RBI double.
