--RHP Jeff Samardzija was recalled from Class AAA Iowa and pitched the ninth inning Thursday. On most days, Samardzija will work the sixth or seventh inning as he helps RHP Aaron Heilman bridge the gap between the starters and late men Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg. Samardzija had been in Iowa's rotation, developing all of his pitches. He gave up four hits and two runs Thursday.

--RHP Luis Vizcaino was designated for assignment to make room for RHP Jeff Samardzija. Vizcaino, a middle reliever, did not give up any runs over four appearances. Opinions around the Cubs were mixed as to how good his stuff was.

--RF Micah Hoffpauir committed an error that led to a run, and manager Lou Piniella said he may no longer be able to sacrifice defense for offense. Hoffpauir is more of a first baseman, but he was in right because Milton Bradley apparently is not healthy enough to play.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RF Milton Bradley (right groin strain) left the April 12 game and didn't start April 13-21, though he appeared twice as a pinch hitter. He returned to the lineup April 22, then sat out again April 23. Manager Lou Piniella said Bradley wouldn't return until he is 100 percent.

ROTATION:

RHP Carlos Zambrano

RHP Ryan Dempster

LHP Ted Lilly

RHP Rich Harden

LHP Sean Marshall

BULLPEN:

RHP Kevin Gregg (closer)

RHP Carlos Marmol

RHP Aaron Heilman

LHP Neal Cotts

RHP Jeff Samardzija

RHP Angel Guzman

RHP David Patton

CATCHERS:

Geovany Soto

Koyie Hill

INFIELDERS:

1B Derrek Lee

2B Mike Fontenot

SS Ryan Theriot

3B Aramis Ramirez

INF Aaron Miles

1B/OF Micah Hoffpauir

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Alfonso Soriano

CF Kosuke Fukudome

RF Milton Bradley

OF Reed Johnson

OF Joey Gathright