--RHP Rich Harden threw a light side session in preparation for Saturday's start against the Giants. Harden, who came over Tuesday in a six-player trade with Oakland, says he expects no limitations Saturday. He battled shoulder problems earlier this season and spent a month on the DL. The Cubs say they'll be cautious with Harden, watching his pitch counts and giving him an extra day of rest whenever they can. Harden said he was pleased with Thursday's bullpen session.
--RHP Andrew Cashner, the Cubs' first-round pick in last month's draft, signed with the team. Cashner, 21, was a closer at Texas Christian. He will leave for the Cubs' spring training facility in Arizona on Friday before heading to short-season Boise, where the Cubs plan to have him work as a closer. --2B Mike Fontenot extended his hitting streak to three games with a double and a home run. Fontenot has doubled and homered in back-to-back games for the first time this season.
--LHP Scott Eyre left for a rehab assignment with Class A Peoria, where he was scheduled to make two appearances. The Cubs say they'll activate Eyre after the All-Star break. Chicago is carrying 13 pitchers. It will stay that way up to the break, but not after, according to manager Lou Piniella.
--LHP Sean Marshall will head to the bullpen this weekend as RHP Jason Marquis starts the series opener against the Giants. Marshall opened the season in the bullpen, spent time at Class AAA Iowa and then joined the rotation, where he has pitched well. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said he would like to keep Marshall stretched out. Depending on how the roster shakes out after the break, Marshall could stay in the 'pen, make spot starts or head back to Iowa.
BY THE NUMBERS: 7 -- The Cubs are sending a club-record seven players to the All-Star Game. Their previous high was six, in 1988 and 1936.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think you focus on winning your division. You win your division, you're in. I wouldn't want to count on the wild card. Win the division and you're in the derby." -- Manager Lou Piniella, on getting to the postseason.
