CHICAGO (AP) - Cubs closer Kerry Wood was activated from the disabled list Tuesday after being sidelined for three weeks because of a blister on his right index finger.
To make room on the roster, the club designated left-hander Scott Eyre for assignment less than two months after his club-record streak of 33 consecutive scoreless appearances ended.A National League All-Star, Wood will likely be used at least once in middle relief as a warm-up before returning to the closer role. The right-hander has a 3.02 ERA and 24 saves in 29 chances but has not pitched since July 11.
The trip to the DL was the 12th in 10 years for the former starter.
Signed to a three-year contract before the 2006 season, Eyre was 5-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 2 1/2 years with the Cubs.
His streak of scoreless appearances ran from Aug. 16, 2007 to June 13, but he never meshed with manager Lou Piniella after a slow start last season, Piniella's first with the Cubs.
"I just don't think Lou ever got over that," a choked up Eyre said. "I have no hard feelings, and I mean that, truly."
Once the streak ended, the earned runs piled up for Eyre. He was 2-0 with a 7.15 ERA in 19 appearances. The recent acquisition of Chad Gaudin from Oakland and the emergence of Jeff Samardzija made him expendable.
General manager Jim Hendry said Eyre cleared trade waivers, leaving the club seven days to make a deal.
"I think he still has the ability to help a ballclub," Hendry said.
