Zambrano set for MRI exam today

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Chicago Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano will miss his next scheduled start because of shoulder trouble and will undergo an MRI exam today.

Zambrano left Wednesday night's game at Tampa Bay because of discomfort in his right shoulder. He was examined Thursday in Chicago by team orthopedist Dr. Stephen Gryzlo.

Zambrano, 8-3 with a 3.13 ERA in 16 starts for the NL Central leaders, had been set to pitch Tuesday night at home against Baltimore.

"I don't think there's a possibility at all," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said before the series finale against the Rays.

After the preliminary exam by Gryzlo, the team decided to schedule the more comprehensive MRI arthrogram today. In that procedure, a dye is injected into the problem area to provide a more detailed look.

"I hope it's not serious," Piniella said. "I hope we find out what's wrong and we can take care of it in short order."

Left-hander Sean Marshall could be recalled from Class AAA Iowa to pitch against the Orioles in place of Zambrano.

The Cubs say Zambrano's current problem is not related to the stiff neck he reported last month, when the team was in Houston.

In other injury news, Piniella said outfielder Jim Edmonds, who left Wednesday's game with a sore left arch, was available to pinch hit.

Outfielder Reed Johnson hopes to rejoin the lineup Friday against the Chicago White Sox. He felt back stiffness while bunting in the ninth inning of Tuesday's game.

"I'm doing a lot better," Johnson said. "They're going to give me one more day. I think I'll be ready tomorrow. We'll see."

Alfonso Soriano remains scheduled to have his broken left hand re-examined today. The left fielder, who would like to return before the all-star break next month, hopes to be cleared to increase his rehab program.