Cubs lose Zambrano to DL, Ramirez for few days
If the Chicago Cubs can ever get healthy, they might actually be able to get a bit of distance between themselves and the NL Central-leading Cardinals.
As it is, Chicago enters play two games back of St. Louis, which isn’t too bad considering the injury woes of the Cubs this year. With starter Ted Lilly already on the disabled list, the Cubs lost No. 1 starter Carlos Zambrano to the DL after he was scratched from Friday’s start with an aching back.
Big Z underwent an MRI over the weekend, but it’s expected he will be ready to return from the DL on Aug. 21, which is the earliest he can do so. Jeff Samardzija makes his first major-league start Wednesday at Wrigley Field against the Phillies – bet on the game — in Zambrano’s place, but it’s likely to be Samardzija’s only start.
Newcomer Tom Gorzelanny, who has taken Lilly’s spot, will remain a starter once Lilly returns next Monday, taking the spot now occupied by Samardzija.
Meanwhile, the Cubs also were without third baseman Aramis Ramirez for Sunday’s game. He his having discomfort on that shoulder he separated earlier this year. He is expected to sit out Monday’s finale in Colorado – bet on the game at WagerWeb.com.
“It won’t be 100 percent,” he said of any chance the pain stops this season. “A week ago it started getting worse.”
Ramirez has just five hits in his past 27 at-bats and struck out three times Saturday. If the pain doesn’t get at least a little better with two days off, the next step could be a cortisone shot that sidelines the Cubs’ cleanup hitter for at least two more games during a particularly tough stretch of opponents. Ramirez is hitting .317 with nine homers but has played only 43 games because of injuries that also included a stiff back and a calf strain. The Cubs are 26-17 when he does play.
Jake Fox played third base Sunday and probably will again Monday. He also has played the outfield, first base and catcher this season.
MLB Betting at WagerWeb.com
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
