Long wait over for Hoffpauir

The long wait finally ended for Micah Hoffpauir on Sunday when the 28-year-old joined the Cubs after six years of seasoning in the minor leagues.

Chosen in the 13th round of the 2002 draft, Hoffpauir's Iowa contract was selected by the Cubs, who placed Daryle Ward on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disk in his lower back, a move retroactive to May 14.

"I'm kind of living on a high right now," the rookie said prior to the game. "My first chance to be in the big leagues, especially with the Cubs, is a great feeling."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Hoffpauir, who missed the first month of the season at Iowa with a strained oblique muscle, will likely get his first major-league start in the series that begins today at Houston. The Astros are scheduled to throw three right-handed starters against the Cubs.

Hoffpauir, a left-handed hitter, batted .324 at Iowa (11-for-34) with 3 doubles and 3 home runs in nine games. He hit .391 (9-for-23) against right-handers.

"We can use him off the bench," Piniella said. "I can rest Derrek Lee once in a while at first base if necessary and I can put him in the outfield. He'll give us more versatility. Hopefully, he swings the bat the way he did the past couple springs for us and he'll be a valuable addition."

Hoffpauir was assigned to minor-league camp on March 26 despite hitting .419 in spring training with 4 home runs and 10 RBI.

He might have been called up last season if not for a torn cartilage in his left knee, an injury that shelved him for the season in early July and forced him to miss the Pacific Coast League All-Star Game.

Hoffpauir made his big-league debut in the sixth inning Sunday against Pittsburgh. Pinch hitting for Jason Marquis, he struck out swinging at a slider from left hander Jon Grabow.

"I was a little anxious and I think it kind of showed a little bit," Hoffpauir said. "I definitely was glad to get up there today, especially in front of the home crowd."