Bradley will be dealt with quietly

MILWAUKEE - Don't expect any high drama regarding the Cubs, Milton Bradley, grievances or even the absurd notion that Bradley will be back in their dugout this year.

The Cubs are working behind the scenes to resolve Bradley's team suspension quietly and without incident.

"We don't anticipate any problems," said Cubs general manager Jim Hendry Tuesday. "We'll have it worked out in the next few days."

The Cubs suspended Bradley Sunday for conduct detrimental to the team. It's likely Bradley will be paid during the suspension and that the Cubs will trade him this off-season.

There had been speculation that the players association would field a grievance challenging the suspension.

Guzman done: Reliever Angel Guzman will be shut down for the rest of the year after an MRI on his right triceps area Tuesday revealed inflammation and the same strain that put Guzman on the disabled list at the end of June.

Guzman pointed near the armpit area as where he has discomfort.

"There's two weeks left," Guzman said. "If a miracle happens, then I'll be back."

Guzman will continue taking treatment. He added that he does not want to "push it" and make it worse.

After battling elbow and shoulder injuries for several years, Guzman has worked in 55 games this season, by far his career best.

"He's had a good year," said manager Lou Piniella. "Let's get him some good rest over the winter and get him ready for spring training next year. Hopefully, this is the beginning of staying healthy for an entire season because he has shown that when he's right, he can pitch and help a baseball team.

"Obviously, we're going to have to give him some help in the setup roles. He's one of the two or three pitchers we can count on. He's going to need some help."

Pitching plans: Lou Piniella said he'll know more today about whether Ted Lilly and Rich Harden will pitch this weekend in San Francisco.

Lilly had knee surgery and left-shoulder tendinitis, and the Cubs wanted to rest him. The Cubs skipped Harden because of "fatigue."

"It's nothing to panic about," Lilly said. "It doesn't feel like I'd prefer it to, but there's no reason to pitch through it and take any unnecessary risks."

Ready to start: Jeff Samardzija starts tonight for the first time since Aug. 12, when he gave up 8 hits and 7 runs in 31/3 innings against the Phillies. He has worked out of the bullpen since then.

Samardzija said he will pitch in Mexico in winter ball as he hopes to compete for a starting spot next spring.

"The original plans was after September to keep a really good rhythm going as a starter into October and get my innings up, which is kind of the main reason," Samardzija said. "I'd like to be around 150-160."