Fukudome gets day off in Piniella's lineup shuffle

PITTSBURGH -- Cubs manager Lou Piniella continued his game of roster rotation Friday night.

Back in was left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Out was right fielder Kosuke Fukudome. In was center fielder Reed Johnson for Jim Edmonds. Also in was Ronny Cedeno at second base.

Piniella talked in Houston about giving Fukudome a day off, just as he did for Soriano.

"It'll be like Wednesday to Saturday," Piniella said of Fukudome. "It'll be like three days off. It's a good time to do it. We rested Soriano the last game at Houston. Same thing with him. Three days.

"We'll try to do it as much as we can here with our team over the next two weeks or so."

That also goes for first baseman Derrek Lee, who never wants a day off.

"We'll get Derrek a day off back in Chicago and let (Micah) Hoffpauir play first base," Piniella said. "Derrek swung the bat pretty well in Houston, took some extra b.p. (batting practice) the first day in and swung the bat well the whole series."

Cedeno impressing: Lou Piniella praised Ronny Cedeno for handling a bench role that often is easier for an older player to accept and handle. Piniella also noted Cedeno's improved approach at the plate.

"He's gotten more patient at home plate, a little more selective," Piniella said. "He gets deeper into counts. He's making more solid contact. He's done a nice job, and for a young player, the role that he's playing is not the easiest.

"We pick pitchers that he's had success against. I think that's in his favor. But at the same time, not playing every day, being a younger player, it's more associated with a little more experienced-type player. We're pleased with his play."

Ailing lefties: Left-handed pitcher Sean Marshall pulled a hamstring Thursday night in his start for Class AAA Iowa and lasted only 3¿ innings. It's a good bet Marshall will miss at least 1 start.

"I know we've been talking a little bit about another left-hander," manager Lou Piniella said, "and that might have to wait."

Lefty Rich Hill, who has had minor back problems at Iowa, threw a side session of 50 pitches Wednesday and will face hitters in a simulated-game situation Sunday.

"Through the series in Los Angeles (June 5-8), we're fine with (our) right-handers," Piniella said.

More for Gallagher: Lou Piniella confirmed Friday that righty Sean Gallagher will start Tuesday against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Piniella also said Gallagher would go June 1 against the Rockies.