Zambrano addresses 'my friends, the media'

CINCINNATI - Carlos Zambrano lives.

That's not the only message the Cubs pitcher wanted to get across Friday.

"My friends, the media," Zambrano said as he entered the clubhouse.

Zambrano, looking happy and sporting a fresh haircut, spoke to reporters for the first time since last weekend.

A lot happened since then, with Zambrano taking himself out of Tuesday's start after 5 innings because his shoulder was sore.

He then reportedly "missed" his scheduled MRI on Wednesday. Zambrano had the MRI on Thursday, and it revealed shoulder inflammation and rotator-cuff tendinitis.

"I feel good," Zambrano said.

"That's the most important thing, after two days missing."

Zambrano said he's feeling so good that he wants to throw on the side here Sunday and pitch next Friday or Saturday in Houston.

The last few days caused considerable confusion around Zambrano, who was not at Wednesday's game at Wrigley Field. He said he was tending to his wife, who was undergoing a surgical procedure, which he said turned out well.

Zambrano said he visited with team orthopedist Dr. Stephen Gryzlo on Wednesday, but did not wish to undergo an MR arthrogram because that procedure would have require a dye to be injected into the shoulder, putting Zambrano out even longer.

"Just remember, we are ballplayers, but we are family, too," he said. "But I'm here.

"One other thing that I have to say, I heard some radio say or some people say that I missed my MRI. Let me explain that to you."

Zambrano went on to explain that he got up at 6 a.m. Wednesday and took his wife to the hospital for surgery, which he said lasted four hours.

Breakfast, a visit to hs wife, a haircut and a trip to Gryzlo followed. Zambrano said he met with general manager Jim Hendry Wednesday and that Hendry told him to take Wednesday off to be with his wife.

"I didn't want to do the (arthrogram) because I didn't want to miss 3 starts," he said.

Zambrano underwent an arthrogram in late June, when he went on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder, but he opted for a simple MRI this time, and that took place Thursday along with an injection of anti-inflammatory medication.

As far as how he feels, he said he has no pain, but only "discomfort."

"If I feel good, I can throw 100 pitches, 90 pitches," he said.