Zambrano expected to face Cards on Friday in St. Louis

All systems are go for Carlos Zambrano to come off the disabled list and start Friday when the Cubs begin a key series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

The Cubs' ace threw 60 pitches off the bullpen mound Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field for the first time since going on the DL June 19 with a strained right shoulder.

"The big test was today, and I threw 100 percent," Zambrano said. "I guess 'Z' is back, ready to rock and roll and to keep doing my job."

Zambrano will have another bullpen session Tuesday in San Francisco and doesn't anticipate any problems.

"I'm happy for the way I threw," Zambrano said. "Believe me, it's been a long time since I've seen my sinker go like that, and my slider. Everything was working. I almost came in here and told (general manager) Jim Hendry I wanted to pitch this game today."

After first balking about going on the DL for the first time since 2002, Zambrano now feels the rest has been good for his arm.

"I'm very happy for the way everything has gone to be able to take a little rest to rest my arm," Zambrano said. "It took seven years and now hopefully I can go seven more years until I get to the DL again. I will work hard to make sure it doesn't happen again."

No worries: Manager Lou Piniella is confident reliever Carlos Marmol will find his control again sooner than later.

"This kid's not going to be perfect all year," Piniella said. "When he was getting three up and three down and striking out three, everybody wanted him to be the closer. Now they want him in long relief, for God's sake.

"He's going to be just fine. He's struggling a little bit. He's struggling with his command. He's probably taking a little bit off his stuff to get the ball over the plate. But you know, he's not getting hit very much."

Marmol isn't the only member of the bullpen having some struggles.

"You need a total contribution, and we haven't gotten that from our bullpen," Piniella said.

Which way is it? Carlos Zambrano gave two different answers when asked if the Cubs needed to trade for another starting pitcher.

"This team doesn't need another starter," Zambrano said.

He changed his mind moments later.

"Whatever they want to do," Zambrano said. "General manager Jim Hendry does a good job and whatever he has in mind. We have a good team and we have good chemistry.

"If they want to bring in another starting pitcher or a relief pitcher to help things, it's welcome."