--LF Alfonso Soriano went through an intense pre-game workout Friday as he recovers from a strained right calf. Soriano took batting practice, ran the bases and fielded fly balls and grounders in left field. He also ran on the outfield grass. Soriano said he will be ready to come off the DL on May 1, as scheduled. Manager Lou Piniella has promised Soriano will be re-inserted into the leadoff spot when he returns even though CF Reed Johnson has done well in that role.
--LHP Rich Hill will be available out of the bullpen, if needed, Saturday and Sunday, said manager Lou Piniella. Hill is being skipped a turn in the rotation to avoid the right-handed dominant Milwaukee Brewers next Tuesday-Thursday. Hill will start next Friday at St. Louis. --C Geovany Soto has been working with coach Matt Sinatro on his throwing. It's all about building a better "foundation," according to Soto, who has thrown out four of 15 runners attempting to steal, including going 1-for-1 Friday against the Nationals. The key, Soto said, is in getting the right leg and foot positioning.
--SS Ryan Theriot was caught stealing twice in Friday's 5-3 defeat at Washington. That makes Theriot 5-for-10 in steal attempts this year. Theriot was caught stealing third with one out and 1B Derrek Lee at the plate in the third. In the seventh, he was caught at second as Lee was called out on strikes. Theriot almost always has a green light to run, and manager Lou Piniella said he was fine with Theriot's decision-making.
--RHP Carlos Zambrano faces the Nationals Saturday. He was 2-0 against the Nats last year. So far, Zambrano's control stands out among Cubs starters, as he's struck out 27 and walked just five in his first five starts. The four other Chicago starters have combined to issue 48 free passes, an average of 12.0 walks per starter.
BY THE NUMBERS 5-1 -- The Cubs' record this season against left-handed starting pitchers.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "This team is playing with more confidence. Last April, after a 96-loss season, I'm not so sure they thought they could win." -- Manager Lou Piniella on his team's good start.
