Cubs activate Barney; release Davis

Instead of burying Doug Davis, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry praised him.

The Cubs on Wednesday released the veteran left-hander as they activated second baseman Darwin Barney from the disabled list.

Davis, 35, never could get it cranked up again with the Cubs, as he went 1-7 with a 6.50 ERA in 9 starts. In his Cubs finale Tuesday, Davis gave up 12 hits and 10 runs in 4⅓ innings against the Giants.

“Professional,” Hendry said of Davis. “He got his 10 years in the big leagues Sunday. He was really good with the kids, starting with extended (spring training). Really, just the consummate professional. We just felt like he was getting a little short. Moving forward, we would like to take a look at some other people.”

The upshot is that the Cubs will need a starting pitcher for Sunday’s series finale with the White Sox. Although Casey Coleman is on schedule to pitch Sunday, Hendry said the Cubs will leave him at Class AAA Iowa for a few more starts. Coleman pitched well for Iowa on Tuesday.

It’s likely right-hander Rodrigo Lopez will start against the Sox. Hendry also mentioned veteran Ramon Ortiz as pitching well at Iowa.

Wood lets it go:

Reliever Kerry Wood threw live batting practice Wednesday to Tony Campana and Lou Montanez. On one pitch, Wood broke Campana’s bat.

Wood is coming back from a stubborn blister on his right index finger. He said his control was good in the live batting-practice session. He could come off the DL later this week.

“I liked what I saw,” said manager Mike Quade. “Hopefully, in the next 24 hours, his finger will come out of that all OK and he’ll be all right. That looks imminent, which is great.”

Taking flight soon?

Center fielder Marlon Byrd hit a home run Tuesday for Class AAA Iowa as he rehabs from facial fractures. Byrd told the Des Moines Register he could be back in Chicago by the weekend. It’s possible the Cubs could activate him then or during the road series at Washington.

“Don’t know yet,” Jim Hendry said. “Obviously, Marlon’s going through the process. He’s a tough guy. I wouldn’t be surprised if Marlon’s here before Sunday, or wouldn’t be surprised if we waited until after the weekend.”

Hendry added that rehabbing pitcher Andrew Cashner (rotator-cuff strain) would see doctors in Chicago soon as he continues his rehab. Cashner rejoined the team Wednesday, in fact.

Hendry said Cashner has suffered no setbacks, but that the Cubs continue to be cautious with him. It’s possible Cashner will pitch for the Cubs again this year, Hendry said.

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