Wood's blister better, might pitch Friday

The index finger on Kerry Wood's throwing hand has been blistered, but the problem may be history.

Under the watchful eyes of Cubs manager Lou Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild, Wood threw successfully from the mound at Wrigley Field Sunday morning without padding on the blister, which was coated in a sterile tissue adhesive called histoacryl, according to Cubs trainer Mark O'Neal.

Over a period of 25 minutes, Wood threw 54 long tosses from flat ground, 29 warm-up pitches in the bullpen followed by 11 warm-up pitches from the game mound.

He then let loose 30 pitches at full speed to strength and conditioning coordinator Tim Buss while bullpen catchers Corey Miller and Edger Tovar stood in the batters box and took swings.

Wood, who was unavailable for comment, reported no issues with the finger, according to Piniella.

"He felt OK, just a little rusty, but that's to be expected," Piniella said. "I think the important thing now is to see how he feels (today). After that, then we can put together a schedule to get him back pitching. A lot depends on (today). I would think St. Louis on Friday is the best possibility but, you know, let's see.

"He threw a lot of breaking balls. He threw fastballs and a few cutters and he didn't feel (the blister). He hasn't been out there in a while. Initially, he had problems getting his breaking ball over, then it started getting a little more consistent as he finished up."

A National League all-star selection, Wood has not pitched since July 11. He was placed on the disabled list on July 24.

Wood has a record of 4-2 this season with 24 saves and a 3.02 ERA in 44 appearances. He has struck out 55 and walked 13. Opponents are batting an anemic .201 against him.

Wood will not be sent out on a rehabilitation assignment to the minor leagues.

"He doesn't want to," Piniella said.