Quade pleased to have Davis pitching
Pitcher Doug Davis was a Friday morning visitor to Wrigley Field. Davis will start Saturday night’s (6:10 p.m.) game against the Giants.
Because he is not yet on the roster, Davis was not allowed to take part in batting practice or be in uniform. But manager Mike Quade did have a chance to visit with Davis.
“I can tell you I’m glad he’s pitching for us,” Quade said. “Every time he’s taken the mound against clubs I’ve been around, it’s been very bad for the clubs I’ve been around. He owned us in Oakland. He just threw his glove out there. He was tough on us here early on and in the playoffs with Arizona. He’s an experienced guy, changes speeds, not going to overpower anybody. He’s going to have to locate.”
Davis, signed last month, has made 2 minor-league starts for the Cubs, pitching 10 innings and giving up 6 hits and 2 earned runs. He walked two and struck out 12 in games with Class A Daytona and Class AAA Iowa.
For his major-league career, Davis is 91-101 with a 4.38 ERA. He has pitched with Texas, Toronto, Milwaukee (two stints) and Arizona.
“Even for a veteran guy, he was really excited when we talked,” Quade said. “Butterflies are butterflies. It’s an exciting thing to be back in the game and do it here at Wrigley. I think he’s ready.”
Against the Giants, Davis is 5-8 with a 4.72 in 20 games, 19 starts.
Playing in Peoria:Pitcher Randy Wells will make a minor-league rehab start Tuesday at Class A Peoria. Wells has been on the disabled list since April 8 with a strained right forearm. He threw in an extended-spring game Thursday in Arizona and will throw a side session Saturday. It#146;s possible Wells could come back for the Sunday, April 22 start at Fenway Park against the Red Sox. As of now, right-hander Casey Coleman is in that slot, but Wells could replace him if the Cubs feel he#146;s ready. Pitcher Andrew Cashner (rotator-cuff strain) will throw on the side Saturday in Arizona. He has thrown live batting and is probably a couple of weeks behind Wells.Top prospect OK: The Cubs said outfield prospect Brett Jackson is #147;fine#148; after injuring his left pinkie diving back into a base this week for Class AA Tennessee. Jackson was in town Thursday to see a hand specialist. The Cubs said he has a strained ligament in his pinkie. Jackson is on Tennessee#146;s 7-day disabled list. Prime-time players:The Cubs-Yankees game on Sunday, June 19, will begin at 7:09 p.m. and be televised by ESPN. The Cubs get their first Sunday night game May 22 when they play the Red Sox at Fenway Park.BBN20001625Outfielders Reed Johnson, left, Marlon Byrd, center, and Kosuke Fukudome, right, of Japan, celebrate after the Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 11-4 on Friday.Associated PressBBNBBN27782592Cubs closer Marcos Mateo and catcher Koyie Hill smile after the Cubs beat the San Francisco Giants 11-4 on Friday at Wrigley Field.Associated PressBBN