Cubs put Caridad on DL, then put Gray into action
Not surprisingly, the Cubs' first roster move of the season involved the bullpen.
The Cubs placed reliever Esmailin Caridad on the 15-day disabled list with a right-forearm strain and recalled reliever Jeff Gray from Class AAA Iowa.
Both Caridad and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Caridad's forearm began bothering him Monday. On top of that, he had not pitched effectively after being the first rookie reliever awarded a job out of spring training.
He is 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA in 4 games. He walked three in 2.2 innings, drawing the ire of manager Lou Piniella. Caridad saw a doctor Tuesday, but Hendry said an MRI was not needed.
Gray, whom the Cubs obtained from Oakland in the off-season, hurt his groin at the beginning of spring training and did not pitch until late in camp. He earned his first major-league victory in the 7-6 win over the Brewers.
"I'm feeling good," he said. "My arm's real strong, and everything feels real great. See if we can't get started here."
Figure Gray to work mid to late innings.
"Get him in there and let him pitch," Piniella said. We've got a little sorting out to do in our bullpen."
Lee sits out: First baseman Derrek Lee did not play Wednesday, two days after coming out of the home opener with an inflamed right thumb. He took a cortisone shot Monday.
The Cubs and Lee say he should be ready to play Thursday against the Brewers.
Lilly update: Lefty Ted Lilly was scheduled to throw 60-65 pitches Wednesday night for Class AAA Iowa in a rehab start as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Lilly also was set back by a mid-back muscle injury.
The Cubs probably will have Lilly start for Class AA Tennessee next week. If all goes well, he could get back into the rotation in Milwaukee next weekend.
Pitching plans: The Cubs will give Ryan Dempster an extra day of rest, starting him Sunday against the Astros instead of Saturday. Dempster threw 114 pitches in the home opener. After Carlos Zambrano pitches Thursday's finale against the Brewers, the Cubs will go with Carlos Silva, Tom Gorzelanny and Dempster.