ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Carlos Zambrano could be back in the Chicago Cubs rotation as early as next week.
The right-hander will throw 60-65 pitches in a simulated game at Wrigley Field on Monday, an off day for the Cubs. It is the next step toward Zambrano returning to the rotation after an uncomfortable stint as a reliever.
Manager Lou Piniella says that the decision on when to plug Zambrano back in the rotation won’t be made until Tuesday, after seeing how Zambrano feels the day after his simulated game.
Zambrano moved to the bullpen April 22 at the request of Piniella, and the Cubs have won six of the 11 games in which he’s appeared as a reliever. The $91.5 million right-hander was 1-2 with a 7.45 ERA in four starts before that.
