--OF Kosuke Fukudome, whom manager Lou Piniella has anointed his leadoff man until LF Alfonso Soriano returns from his broken hand, started in center field. Fukudome, normally the right fielder, played in place of Jim Edmonds, who suffered soreness in his left foot Wednesday night. Piniella said he likes Fukudome as his leadoff man because of his high on-base percentage and patience at the plate.
--C Geovany Soto served as DH, with Henry Blanco catching in the finale against the Rays. With a day game at home on the heels of a night game at Tampa Bay, the Cubs are trying to keep their regulars fresh. Soto likely will catch Friday's series opener against the White Sox. --OF Reed Johnson likely will be ready to play Friday. Johnson missed the final two games at Tampa Bay because of stiffness in his back. The Cubs could use the right-handed Johnson in the series opener, as the White Sox will start LHP John Danks.
--1B Derrek Lee went 3-for-4, all singles, after going 0-for-6 in the first two games at Tampa Bay. Lee has not homered since June 10. Twelve of Lee's 14 homers have come at Wrigley Field.
--SS Ryan Theriot extended his hitting streak to four games with an RBI single. However, Theriot was 4-for-19 on the trip overall and is looking again like he needs a rest. Ronny Cedeno might get the call at short Friday.
BY THE NUMBERS: 40 -- Walks 3B Aramis Ramirez took into this week. Ramirez's career high for walks in a single season is 50, set two years ago. He has become significantly more selective at the plate in 2008.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He came to camp ready to fight De La Hoya for 15 rounds. He was in shape. He was on a mission, and he's gotten off to a great start." -- Manager Lou Piniella, on the fast start of pitcher Ryan Dempster, who has gone from closer to starter.
