Middle relief likely destination for Wood
If Kerry Wood rejoins the Cubs on Thursday, as they hope, manager Lou Piniella knows where he will pitch him, at least in the beginning.
"Roles can change, but I'll use him in the middle," Piniella said Tuesday. "Build up some stamina. Build up some strength. He hasn't been on the mound in a long, long time in a major-league game."
Wood worked in a rehab game Tuesday night for the Cubs' Class AA Tennessee farm club in a game at West Tenn. He pitched 1ˆ¿ innings and gave up no hits while walking one and striking out one. He faced six batters and threw 24 pitches, 15 for strikes.
The 30-year-old former ace of the starting staff is trying to complete a long comeback from a torn right rotator cuff, which limited him to four games last year.
General manager Jim Hendry said he didn't pursue a reliever in the trade market because of Wood's impending arrival.
"I didn't see a need to do it," Hendry said. "When I was in (Class A) Peoria, I felt Woody was better than anything I can do in a trade."
Hendry and Wood have been in the Cubs organization since 1995, when the Cubs drafted Wood.
"I'm thrilled," Hendry said. "No. 1, he's as good a guy as we've ever had in here. There's not much doubt about that. He's very much loved by his teammates. I've watched this guy for 10 years pitching in a lot of pain at times, a lot of discomfort.
"I see a different bounce in his step than I have in the last couple years. I think he feels good about his chances."
Ward improving: The Cubs might be getting pinch hitter Daryle Ward off the disabled list more quickly than they thought. Ward went on the DL July 20 with a severely strained right calf.
"Mark O'Neal (the Cubs' trainer) gave me some news today that probably Daryle Ward will be back a few weeks earlier than we thought, maybe the middle of the month," Jim Hendry said, referring to August.
"I don't think people understood the significance of how well he was swinging the bat and how well that was helping us from the left side."
Ward was batting .333 (21-for-63) overall, and he was 6-for-25 as a pinch hitter.
Catch this: A sore left shoulder has slowed backup catcher Henry Blanco's rehab from a cervical herniated disc. Jim Hendry said the doctors may temporarily halt Blanco's minor-league rehab so he can rest. Blanco has been on the DL since May 31.