--RHP Kerry Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a blister on his right index finger. Wood has not pitched since July 11, and the move is retroactive to July 14, meaning he can come off the DL as soon as Tuesday. The Cubs' closer has been taking antibiotics in case there is an infection in the finger. "He is making progress, and he's getting better," said general manager Jim Hendry, who stressed Wood has no shoulder or elbow problems, both of which have plagued him throughout his career.
RHP Carlos Marmol will take over for ailing as the interim closer. Marmol enjoyed an All-Star first half as a setup man, and he earned a save Thursday. --RHP Jeff Samardzija probably will be recalled from Class AAA Iowa to take the spot of ailing RHP Kerry Wood. Samardzija, a former Notre Dame football star, has is 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA as a starting pitcher at Iowa after opening the season with Class AA Tennessee.
--CF Jim Edmonds had an MRI performed on his left knee Thursday. Edmonds has had trouble pushing off on the knee while batting. Results were said to be negative.
--RF Kosuke Fukudome got the night off against Florida LHP Scott Olsen. Manager Lou Piniella has promised to rest Fukudome more in the second half so he can regain his form of the first two months of the season.
BY THE NUMBERS: 20 -- The Cubs open the unofficial second half of the season with a string of 20 straight games. That could become an issue if closer Kerry Wood's finger blister presents continued problems or if the starting pitchers can't go at least six innings consistently.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think I'm a smart guy. Sometimes I make them think that I'm out of my game, but I'm not." -- Carlos Zambrano, reacting to manager Lou Piniella saying he needed to harness his emotions while on the mound.
