Hendry expects Castro to become solid SS

When it comes to shortstop Starlin Castro's defense, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry rushed to the defense Wednesday.

Castro had 5 errors in his first five games, including 3 in Monday's series opener against Florida. That ruined a home debut after fans came out to see a phenom who had a record-setting 6 RBI his major-league debut, last Friday at Cincinnati.

"He's a real good defensive player," Hendry said. "I expected a few rough days early. I think I talked to most of you after the tremendous game Friday night. I said, 'Sometimes you wish we won the game but maybe it didn't go that great.' Expectations become unrealistic.

"A lot of great players, fielders in the past, made a lot of errors when they were young kids. I think he'll settle in fine. But the kid's going to make a few errors every now and then. I think he'll settle in here soon and be really, really good defensively. There's not anybody in the game that would tell you he's not a plus, plus defender with outstanding range and a well-above-average arm."

Theriot out: Second baseman Ryan Theriot did not play Wednesday because of what the Cubs said was a tight right hamstring.

The Cubs said the ailment is not serious and Theriot should be able to play Friday. Mike Fontenot subbed for Theriot and had a 2-run double in the 4-3 win over the Marlins.

"I just do whatever I can whenever I get the chance to get in there," Fontenot said. "I try to help the team in any way. That's what I've always tried to do."

Slumping third baseman Aramis Ramirez (.159) also got the day off, with Jeff Baker subbing and going 0-for-2 with a walk.

With Theriot out, Starlin Castro moved up to the No. 2 spot in the order. Manager Lou Piniella said Castro will bat eighth Friday against the Pirates.

This and that: Carlos Silva is the first Cubs pitcher to open 4-0 since Ryan Dempster in 2008. - With Mike Fontenot's error, the Cubs have at least 1 error in each of their last seven games, the most since another seven-game span in 2007.