Big Z upstages Ramirez's blast that gives Cubs win over Rockies

Carlos Zambrano didn't get into Monday night's game for the Cubs, but he did manage to upstage a dramatic 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Aramis Ramirez hit his first home run since April 15, a 2-run shot to left field against the wind in the 11th inning with Starlin Castro on first base to lift the Cubs to their second straight victory.

Zambrano, who of late had been the nominal eighth-inning setup man, did not even warm up Monday. After the game, manager Lou Piniella announced a role change for Zambrano.

Although there are no plans to put the opening-day starter back into the rotation immediately, things appear headed in that direction.

"We're going to change Zambrano's role some," said Piniella, whose team improved to 17-22. "We're going to start stretching him out some for a bit. He's going to gain some stamina and some arm strength, and we'll leave it at that. He wasn't in the bullpen tonight for short duty. But he will be in the bullpen tomorrow. But we are changing his role from short to longer.

"I didn't say rotation. I said we're going to change his role in the bullpen."

When pressed, Piniella acknowledged a return to a starter's role sometime down the line this year is possible.

"Look, we thought that the outcome would be little different," Piniella said of the setup role. "He's not as comfortable with it in the bullpen pitching short so we're going to use him in a different way and get him some stamina, build up his arm, and that's what we're going to do. The next step, probably down the road (in the rotation), if need be, yes."

Zambrano seemed happy about the change.

"We had a conversation to today with the pitching coach," Zambrano said, referring to Larry Rothschild. "They are trying to put me back in the rotation. Like I said, I'm here for this team, and I want to help this team. It's their choice. Whatever they want me to do, I'm going to do it."

Zambrano has seemed uncomfortable and unhappy as a reliever. He gave up 3 runs on 4 hits in taking the loss last Friday against the Pirates.

In Monday's game, Randy Wells worked 62/3 innings and had a chance to win. However, with the Cubs up 2-1 in the eighth, John Grabow loaded the bases, and Carlos Marmol walked Miguel Olivo on 4 pitches to force in the tying run. Sean Marshall (3-1), who figures to see more eighth-inning work, pitched 2 innings, striking out four.

The Cubs' 11th began with Starlin Castro leading off with his third single of the game. After Derrek Lee lined out, Ramirez crushed a 1-0 pitch from Matt Belisle into the left-field bleachers.

"I'm still hitting .170," he said. "I got to keep doing that. I've got to go out there and get hits and drive in runs and just help this team. We need runs, and I'm one of the key guys."

<p class="factboxheadblack">Bruce Miles' game tracker</p>

<p class="News">Cubs 4, Rockies 2 (11 innings)</p>

<p class="News"><b>All's Wells:</b> Randy Wells threw a career-high 116 pitches over 62/3 innings. It was his fifth quality start in 8 outings. He gave up 7 hits and 1 run. </p>

<p class="News"><b>Reach for the Starlin:</b> Rookie Starlin Castro has reached base at least once in all 10 games he has played since coming up from the minor leagues. He has at least a hit in eight of those games.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Rock solid:</b> Rockies starter Aaron Cook worked 7 innings, giving up 7 hits and 2 runs, 1 earned. He threw 84 pitches. </p>

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<li><a href="/story/?id=381470">Piniella not going anywhere, says Cubs GM<span class="date"> [5/17/10]</span></a></li>

<li><a href="/story/?id=381485">Colvin gets start in crowded outfield<span class="date"> [5/17/10]</span></a></li>

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