Harden's first start in jeopardy

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Rich Harden returned to Cubs camp Saturday, and it's going to be a race to the wire for him to make his first start of the season April 10.

Harden was scratched Friday because of a stomach bug. He'll pitch at the Cubs' minor-league camp Wednesday, when the rest of the team has an off-day. Manager Lou Piniella said Harden will get "an extended throw" day Monday.

"If he's ready by the time the season starts, he's ready," Piniella said. "If he's not, we've got (Sean) Marshall that'll be ready, and we can throw (Harden) into the fifth-starter's spot and give him more time."

The Cubs had been taking it easy, anyway, with Harden because of his troublesome right shoulder. He's made only 2 starts this spring.

"I'm a little tired and weak right now," Harden said, adding that he didn't feel set back. "I don't think so. It's kind of unfortunate timing. (Pitching) the other day would have been just fine. As far timing, I really don't' think it's going to affect me at all."

Weighty issue: The Cubs are glad to have catcher Geovany Soto back from the World Baseball Classic. But Lou Piniella has a couple of concerns.

"Yesterday, we took a look at Soto," Piniella said. "He didn't get many at-bats, didn't do much catching (in the WBC). He's behind. Hitting wise, he's pulling off the ball. We suggested, in a kidding way, but truthfully, to go back there and hit off the curveball machine for a while. I think he'd stay on the ball a little longer. When he plays in these games, try to hit the ball up the middle and right-center field as an approach for a while until he gets his timing.

"Also, when he left, he was in really good shape. I think those rice and beans over in Miami, he put on a few pounds. Fortunately, it's warm. I say that kidding around, but it's true. He did put on a little weight, and he needs to work a little bit. But in this hot weather here, catching four or five games, especially when we catch him back to back, that shouldn't be a problem at all."

More WBC fallout: The Cubs are eager to get center fielder Kosuke Fukudome and pitcher Ted Lilly back from the WBC, which ends Monday. Lilly is expected to throw for the Cubs on the back field Tuesday.

The Cubs also didn't want first baseman Derrek Lee in the WBC. He hasn't played since Monday because of a sore right quad. He's scheduled to play for the Cubs today.

"I know they (WBC) put pressure on him to play, but he's not ready to play nine innings, and he's not ready for that type of scrutiny," Lou Piniella said. "He's barely played three or four innings in these games here in camp."