Cubs’ Russell looking for better results this time

Despite lasting just 1 innings last week in his first major-league start, lefty James Russell said Monday he’s looking forward to Tuesday night’s start against the San Diego Padres.

“You can only hope that it will go better,” said Russell, who gave up 7 hits and 5 runs (4 earned) to the Houston Astros. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m not really sure how we’re going to go about it but probably go about it the same way we did last time. That’s all you can really do.”

Russell threw 55 pitches last week, but he’ll get the opportunity for a few more Tuesday.

“Given the fact that 55 came up quick, I would look very, very hard at 70 pitches,” manager Mike Quade said. “Unless he does something exceptional, the main thing is to keep him healthy and productive in whatever role we decide to use him in.”

Russell got into 2 games in relief over the weekend at Colorado.

Medical watch:Pitchers Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner were scheduled to see team physician Dr. Stephen Gryzlo on Monday evening. Both are on the disabled list, Wells with a right-forearm strain and Cashner with a strained right rotator cuff.General manager Jim Hendry said Monday that Wells has played catch and that Cashner is feeling stronger. Both pitchers went on the DL April 8. Originally, the Cubs said it would be 10 days to two weeks before either would pick up a baseball.Hendry said the team would know more Tuesday about the upcoming plans.Schlitter is back:Relief pitcher and Park Ridge native Brian Schlitter has been returned to the Cubs by order of Major League Baseball. The Cubs lost Schlitter on outright waivers to the New York Yankees last winter after they signed Kerry Wood and needed a spot on the 40-man roster.Schlitter eventually wound up with the Philadelphia Phillies.Hendry said Schlitter had a pre-existing injury, which he termed a right-elbow strain. Hendry said that even though Schlitter passed physicals with the other clubs, the pre-existing condition prompted MLB to order that he be sent back to the Cubs.#147;We#146;re glad to get him back, to be honest with you,#148; Hendry said.Schlitter appeared in 7 games for the Cubs last year.Hendry also said veteran lefty Doug Davis has reported to Arizona and likely would join a Cubs minor-league team in two weeks. Another veteran, Ramon Ortiz, pitched 3 innings Sunday for Class AAA Iowa, giving up 7 hits and 3 runs.