--RHP Kerry Wood has a blister on his right index finger, an ailment that's been bothering him for the past three weeks. Wood opted out of the All-Star Game, but the Cubs feel that a week off will be sufficient to get Wood healthy.
--LF Alfonso Soriano probably won't come off the DL until July 24, when the Cubs return from a six-game road trip after the All-Star break. Soriano broke a bone in his left hand June 11. The Cubs had hoped he could return right after the break, but the hand has felt "weak," and Soriano may do a minor-league rehab stint. --SS Ryan Theriot extended his hitting streak to a career-best 10 games Sunday. He's 18-for-45 (.400) during the streak. Theriot has 37 multi-hit games and has been at or near the top in the NL in that category for most of the season.
--LHP Sean Marshall got a vote of confidence from manager Lou Piniella, who said Marshall would be in the bullpen when the second half opens. Marshall has worked as a starter and reliever this year. He pitched two scoreless innings in Saturday's 8-7, 11-inning victory over the Giants. Neal Cotts is the other lefty in the pen. He'll stay as long as Scott Eyre remains on the DL while rehabbing a groin injury. Eyre could come back the first or second series after the All-Star break.
--RF Kosuke Fukudome did not start Sunday or Friday against the Giants. He went 3-for-19 over the six-game homestand. Fukudome will start the All-Star Game in center field. The Cubs feel the recent rest and the All-Star break will help Fukudome, whom they say has been swinging a "tired" bat in recent week.
BY THE NUMBERS: 57 -- The Cubs have reached 57 victories before the All-Star break for the first time since 1969, when they had 61. The Cubs are 57-38 at the break. Last year, they were 44-43.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I've said it's like the British Open. I've said that a few times." -- Manager Lou Piniella, on the capricious nature of Wrigley Field, where the wind can change direction at any time and alter the course of play.
