Cubs' Miles good bet to be activated

The Cubs did not send out a pitcher Tuesday when they brought lefty Tom Gorzelanny up from Class AAA Iowa to start against the Reds.

Instead, they tipped their hand as to what they'll probably do Wednesday.

The Cubs placed infielder Andres Blanco on the disabled list with what they said was a left-calf strain. Manager Lou Piniella said on his WGN radio pregame show that Blanco "tweaked" the calf Saturday in Florida and "felt it again" Monday.

It's a good bet the Cubs will activate infielder Aaron Miles off the DL on Wednesday. Miles has been rehabbing a hyperextended right elbow at Class AAA Iowa. He has been out since late June, and the Cubs seemed in no rush to bring him back.

Miles batted .203 with a low on-base percentage of .240 in 46 games for the Cubs earlier this year.

Gregg still out: According to cubs.com, closer Kevin Gregg was not available again Tuesday because of a "tired arm."

Gregg blew a pair of saves over the weekend at Florida. Carlos Marmol worked a shaky ninth inning Monday but earned the save against the Reds.

Friday for Soto: Catcher Geovany Soto is likely to rejoin the Cubs on Friday at Colorado. Soto has been out nearly a month with a left-oblique strain. He went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI Monday in a rehab game at Class AA Tennessee.