Back issue keeps Lee out of lineup

Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee did a word dance with reporters Sunday in St. Louis when asked about a back problem. He said it wasn't the cause of him coming out of the game with the Cardinals early.

Dancing of any kind appears to be out of the question, though, because Lee took an epidural injection Monday for a bulging disc in his lower back. He'll be out at least 2-3 days.

This comes on the heels of him hitting 4 home runs in three days against the Cardinals.

"It doesn't bother me swinging," Lee said. "It's just moving around, mainly defense and trying to run. Just tight."

On Sunday, manager Lou Piniella said Lee came out in the fifth inning because his back had stiffened. Lee said he didn't hurt his back, that Piniella wanted to get him off the field because the Cubs had a big lead at the time.

He reiterated that Monday, but it appears the condition has been with Lee for at least a little while.

Silva update: Carlos Silva threw "about 25 pitches" Monday as he continues his comeback from a minor procedure to normalize a rapid heartbeat.

Silva will throw again Wednesday, and after that it's likely he will go out for at least 1 minor-league rehab start.

He sounded positive about the results.

"I don't worry about it anymore," he said. "I feel looser, and nothing's going to happen. I know nothing bad is going to happen.

"For my family, it was something big. My wife was worried. You're talking about your heart and getting information from a lot of people."

The Marshall plan? Whether Sean Marshall returns to the bullpen next year or gets another shot as a starting pitcher will be up to the new manager and the organization. Marshall arguably has been the top left-handed setup man in the National League this year.

"When you have a guy that can do that type of job, I would have to advocate not moving him, but that's not going to be my decision," said Piniella, who is retiring at the end of the season.

"Marshall's done a really nice job. He's pitched about an inning per appearance. I think when you have a guy like that who can do that type of job, I think you keep him (there). That's my opinion."

As usual, Marshall was go-along, get-along.

"I like this year," he said. "I really enjoyed relieving. But at the same time, I like starting.

"The season's not over yet. Next year is a new year. If they want me to help out in that situation again, I'd be glad to do it. But also like to start."