Soriano, Cubs pleased with rehab results

WASHINGTON -- Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano underwent his most intensive day of rehab Friday since going on the disabled list with a strained right calf.

The Cubs took early batting practice, and Soriano participated in all facets.

Not only did he hit, but he ran the bases hard, practicing stops and starts before running again on the outfield grass. He also fielded flyballs and grounders.

Soriano and the Cubs training staff looked pleased as they exited the field.

"Very good work today, so I'm very happy," said Soriano, who is due to come off the DL on May 1. "That's the most comfortable I (felt) in 10 days. Tomorrow off, and Sunday work again."

Soriano proclaimed himself ready to play May 1.

"Hitting is not a problem," he said. "My problem is running and doing quick stops in the field."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella has said he'll bat Soriano leadoff when he comes back. Will Soriano be able to run well enough to bat first?

"I don't know; it depends how I feel May 1," he said. "I'm working very hard now to come back very strong and do what I'm supposed to do batting leadoff."

Bullpen doings: Having starting pitcher Jason Marquis go 7 innings Thursday in Colorado enabled Lou Piniella to stay away from his key relievers: Carlos Marmol, Bob Howry and Kerry Wood.

"We gave our short people a much-needed breather yesterday," Piniella said. "I just can't use these guys every day, our short people. I need (Kevin) Hart or (Michael) Wuertz, one of these two, to kick in do what they're capable of doing."

Hart took the loss Thursday, giving up 2 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) in the eighth inning. Wuertz gave up runs in each of his previous 2 outings before Friday. He's experiencing problems similar to what happens with him in spring training, where the slider doesn't break.

"That's what the hitters on the opposing teams are showing us," Piniella said. "It's been spinning. It hasn't had that sharp quickness that it usually has. He's been working with Larry Rothschild, and he told me he thinks he found what the problem is."

Piniella added he could use lefty Rich Hill out of the bullpen today or Sunday. Hill won't start again until Friday in St. Louis.

Piniella estimates lefty Scott Eyre to be "10 days to two weeks away," as he rehabs from a bone chip in his pitching elbow.

Boss in town: Cubs chairman Crane Kenney is in town to look at Nationals Park and glean ideas for new Wrigley Field amenities.

Game-time changes: Fox TV has picked up the Saturday, May 12 game at Wrigley Field against Arizona. That game will start at 2:45 p.m.

Fox will not televise the July 12 game at Wrigley. That game will begin at 12:05 p.m. and be televised by Comcast SportsNet.