--The Cubs have set their pitching rotation for the remainder of the San Diego series. LHP Ted Lilly will pitch Wednesday against RHP Jake Peavy. RHP Ryan Dempster opposes RHP Greg Maddux on Thursday.
--Rookie RHP Sean Gallagher will open Friday's home series against the Pirates. Gallagher was the emergency starter Sunday for RHP Carlos Zambrano, who was scratched because of the cold and wet weather in Chicago. --LF Alfonso Soriano's homer leading off the first inning Tuesday was his first leadoff homer this year and the 45th of his career. He holds third place all time behind Rickey Henderson (81) and Craig Biggio (53). Soriano was 2-for-4 in the 4-3 loss to the Padres. Over his last four games, he's 8-for-14 with two doubles, a walk, two homers, five runs and four RBIs.
--CF Reed Johnson's two-run double gave him five RBIs over the last three games. He has 16 for the season.
--LHP Ted Lilly, who starts Wednesday against San Diego, has won his last two starts. He is 3-0 with a 2.19 ERA in four games (three starts) against the Padres.
--The Cubs entered Tuesday leading the major leagues in pitches per plate appearance (3.93), runs scored (223) and on-base percentage (.375).
BY THE NUMBERS: 168 -- The Cubs took 168 walks into this week (36 games). At that pace, they would draw 756 bases on balls for the season. The club record is 650, set in 1975. This trend continues to be a marked departure for a team that valued free-swinging. The Cubs now are balancing aggressiveness and selectivity. The Cubs had 113 walks through 36 games last year.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I was a little scared because it's a little cold, but I think I'm OK. I just want to feel comfortable with my legs." -- Soriano on continuing to be cautious with his legs.
