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Marshall go-to guy in bullpen

ATLANTA - If Cubs manager Lou Piniella has a "go-to" guy out of the bullpen this early in the season, it appears to be lefty Sean Marshall.

And with good reason.

Marshall appeared in the first two games of the Braves series and struck out seven in 32/3 innings before retiring both batters he faced Thursday night.

"I've been able to throw my curveball for strikes," Marshall said. "Even behind in the count, 3-2 and stuff, I feel I can trust it and be able to throw it at any time in any count. I've had a couple of left-handed hitters, and my curveball is a little more effective against left-handed hitters."

Piniella says Marshall is stretched out enough to throw two or three games in a row because of the work he got in as a starter in spring training.

"Marshall has thrown the ball very well," the manager said. "He threw the ball well this spring. Actually, he's gotten, to me, physically stronger. He had a really, really good spring with good movement on his fastball and a good, tight curveball. The reason we put him in the bullpen is because I figure that's where we needed him the most, and so far, that assumption has been correct."

Pitching plans: Carlos Silva will open the weekend series tonight at Cincinnati. It will be his first start as a Cub after a good spring training.

Before lefty Tom Gorzelanny gets into a game Sunday, the Cubs will come back with opening-day starter Carlos Zambrano on Saturday.

Lou Piniella said he wants to keep his top three of Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Randy Wells on regular rest. Zambrano lasted just 11/3 innings in Monday's opener.

Lilly delayed: Lefty Ted Lilly has come up with a stiff back, according to Lou Piniella, and that will prevent him from starting Friday for Class AAA Iowa as he continues his rehab from shoulder surgery. Instead, Lilly will pitch Sunday for Iowa.

"This is not a setback," Piniella said.

X marks the start: Xavier Nady will make his first start of the season today. He will play right field, with Alfonso Soriano starting in left after getting a start off Thursday.

Nady is coming back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, but Lou Piniella noted that the Reds' park is a smaller one, meaning Nady shouldn't have to make many long throws.