Guzman sent to DL; Hart called up

The Cubs say it's nothing serious, but they put one of their most effective relievers on the disabled list Sunday.

Angel Guzman, who has been bothered for about 10 days with soreness in his right triceps, will sit out the next couple of weeks. The Cubs recalled pitcher Kevin Hart from Class AAA Iowa to take Guzman's spot in the bullpen.

"I don't think it's a big deal," Guzman said. "I prefer to take care of it right now and miss 15 days, but I know I'll be ready to go before that. It's going to be better for the team.

"I'm having a great year and now this little setback. I'm just going to stay positive and come back stronger."

In 28 games, Guzman is 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA and 1 save. In 32 innings, he's given up 21 hits while walking 11 and striking out 27. He worked 2 innings in Saturday's 13-inning victory over Cleveland. He worked June 17 against the Sox after sitting out for a week.

"He came in this morning and it was really, really tight," said manager Lou Piniella. "We felt there was a chance (they'd have to DL Guzman)."

Both Guzman and the Cubs said he could probably be ready in five or six days, but with the Cubs in a tough schedule grind now, they didn't want to be caught short.

"All these extra-inning games that we play, you're looking to overtax a bullpen that's already overtaxed just a little bit," Piniella said.

Hello, Hart: Kevin Hart has enjoyed a good season at Iowa, going 3-3 with a 3.10 ERA in 22 games, 6 starts. He has averaged 9.8 strikeouts per 9 innings.

He was up with the Cubs in 2007 and last year, but he didn't make the team out of spring training.

"Just throwing strikes and trying to attack hitters," he said of his success this year. "Just getting back to being aggressive."

My aching back: Outfielder Reed Johnson was a lineup scratch because his back "locked up on him," according to Lou Piniella.

The Cubs will keep an eye on Johnson, who has had back problems in the past.

The team plays a makeup game in Atlanta tonight before going to Detroit for three tough interleague games. Piniella would like to rest several regulars tonight.

"The trip to Atlanta is a little bit of a toughie," Piniella said. "We obviously would have preferred to have the day off and just fly to Detroit and play three games there. What can you do?"

Among those scheduled for a rest are shortstop Ryan Theriot, left fielder Alfonso Soriano and right fielder Milton Bradley.

Soriano was 1-for-5 Sunday. His batting average is .225, and his on-base percentage is a low .291. He hasn't homered since June 7.

"I was hoping that I could rest three players, but with the Reed Johnson thing, I'm not exactly sure, but we'll rest two for sure, and if I can, we'll rest three," Piniella said.