The Cubs' slide continued Tuesday night in Houston. Once again, the Cubs had chances to score runs against J.A. Happ and the Astros' pen but could not put the ball in play, much less get a hit, with runners in scoring position. Sveum's Cubs outhit Houston 6-4 but not when it mattered ... 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and six left on base.

The Cubs only run came in the fourth inning. Alfonso Soriano (1-for-4 with a home run and two strikeouts) hit his fourth home in the last eight games.

Starlin Castro was a miserable 0-for-4 and left four runners on base Tuesday night. Castro struck out swinging four times, earned a golden sombrero and will more than likely receive a day off on Wednesday. Tuesday marked the second time in his career that Castro struck out four times in a single game.

The Cubs struck out an alarming 13 times and seven of the last eight outs the Cubs' offense made were strikeouts.

Travis Wood put together a solid outing in his second big league start of the season. Wood gave up a home run to Jose Altuve in the bottom of the first then a ground rule double to Jed Lowrie but that was it while he was on the mound. Wood struggled with his command and pitched from behind in the count for a majority of his outing but he seemingly made the right pitch when he needed it.

Travis Wood left with the game tied at one with two outs in the sixth. Wood walked the last batter he faced and turned the game over to Shawn Camp. Camp could not record the third out before allowing the Astros to take the lead.

Shawn Camp uncorked a wild pickoff attempt to first (tenth charged error by a Cubs pitcher, leads the majors) which allowed Justin Maxwell to advance into scoring position. After issuing a two-out walk to Carlos Lee, J.D. Martinez blooped a 3-1 pitch into shallow right center that plated Maxwell with the go ahead run.

Travis Wood was charged with two runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Wood threw 97 pitches, 54 for strikes, and notched his third hit of the season ... a one out double in the third. Wood was 1-for-2 at the plate.

Starlin Castro and Tony Campana turned in highlight-reel plays Tuesday night. Starlin Castro robbed Chris Johnson of a hit in the fourth with a diving stop in shallow left. Castro got to his feet quickly and threw a one-hop strike to first base.

Tony Campana ran for Reed Johnson in the eighth. Wilton Lopez's pickoff attempt ended up down the right field line and Campana rounded second and headed for third. Campana avoided the tag by diving headlong over Downs.

The Cubs have not had a lead in a game since the fourth inning of last Wednesday's game against the Phillies ... 59 innings.

With Tuesday's loss, the Cubs drop to a season-worst 13 games under .500 with a 15-28 record ...

Travis Wood (0-0, 4.50/1.00) vs. J.A. Happ (3-3, 4.96/1.52)

Updated 3:56pm CDT - Travis Wood Recalled from Triple-A Iowa, Welington Castillo Placed on 15-day DL

The Cubs will try to put the last seven games behind them tonight and end their longest drought of the year behind Travis Wood. Wood has been with the team for several days and will be activated prior to game time. The Cubs must make a roster move to clear a spot for Wood to make his second big league start of the season.

According to reports, Blake Parker could either be optioned back to Iowa or placed on the disabled list to make room for Wood or the Cubs could place Welington Castillo on the DL with an MCL sprain. Another option, not brought up by the mainstream media, would be to send Randy Wells back to Iowa. After tossing five innings on Monday night, Wells figures to be unavailable for the next five days. That would give them time to make a decision on both Blake Parker and/or Welington Castillo. Wells could always be recalled to fill Parker or Castillo's spot on the roster if either one has to be placed on the DL.

After Monday night's loss, Dale Sveum mentioned that Bryan LaHair would probably be given Tuesday night off. LaHair is 1-for-his-last-20 and Sveum said he could use a "mental day off." With Houston sending a southpaw to the hill it would be the right time to give him a break ... but Sveum should mix his lineup tonight and not use an all right-handed lineup against the Astros' lefty.

Tonight is all starts with Travis Wood ...

The Cubs lost their season-worst seventh straight game and if not for scoring four runs in the ninth, Dale Sveum's team would have been shut out for the second day in a row. The Cubs have not been shut out on back-to-back days since May 4-5, 2006 (San Diego Padres). Over the last three games, the Cubs have scored runs in only two of the 27 innings.

While the Cubs offense was beyond horrible again for the first eight innings, Matt Garza picked a bad time to have his shortest outing of the season.

Matt Garza retired the Astros in order in the first inning on just 14 pitches ... and it went downhill from there. Houston pounded Garza in the second and third innings to the tune of seven runs on five hits with two walks. Jason Castro and Chris Johnson both hit three run homers off Garza, who was lifted after the third inning.

Matt Garza simply did not have it Monday night ... all seven runs he allowed scored with two outs. Garza's final line: seven runs on five hits, two home runs, with two walks and two strikeouts. Garza threw 72 pitches, 42 for strikes. Monday was the second shortest outing for Garza as a Chicago Cub. Garza lasted two innings against the Nationals last season in D.C. and surrendered seven runs, six earned, on eight hits with a walk and four strikeouts.

Randy Wells made his first appearance since being recalled from Iowa. Wells might have a shot at sticking in the Cubs' pen after struggling at both the big league level and at Triple-A as a starter. Wells kept Dale Sveum from having to use his pen on a night Matt Garza barely made it through three innings.

Randy Wells allowed one run on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts in five innings of work. Wells made only one mistake, a solo homer by Jed Lowrie in the seventh inning. Wells threw 78 pitches, 46 for strikes, in relief of Matt Garza.

The Astros scored all eight of their runs with two outs ... and seven of the eight runs scored on three longballs.

Houston hit three home runs off Cubs' pitching Monday night. Over the last four games Cubs pitching has served up 11 longballs ... while the Cubs' offense has hit just two balls out of the park.

The Cubs outhit the Astros 11-8 on Monday night but showed no life against Bud Norris. The Cubs were a miserable 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position prior to the ninth and finished the game 4-for-15 with RISP and left 10 on base.

Starlin Castro (2-for-5), David DeJesus (2-for-4, with a RBI, a walk and a run scored), Adrian Cardenas (2-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored) and Koyie Hill (2-for-4 with a run scored) each notched multi-hit games while Blake Lalli's first big league hit drove in two of the Cubs' four runs in the ninth.

Of the Cubs' 11 hits, only two went for extra bases (doubles by Cardenas) and not one left the park.

The Cubs have lost nine of their last 11 and with Monday's defeat the Cubs have dropped to a season-low 12 games under .500 with a 15-27 record ...

Matt Garza (2-1, 2.58/1.04) vs. Bud Norris (4-1, 3.58/1.21)

The Cubs start a new week tonight with the first of six game road trip through Houston and Pittsburgh. Dale Sveum's team begins a difficult stretch with the first of three against the Astros that sees them play 16 of the next 19 on the road.

After not posting a victory since last Monday it will be up to Matt Garza to end the Cubs' second six-game losing streak of the year. Matt Garza wants to be a number one in a big league rotation ... and number ones end losing streaks.

The Cubs might have a different looking lineup tonight. Following Sunday's loss, Dale Sveum suggested he could make changes to the top of his lineup in order to try to generate runs. Multiple reports have Starlin Castro moving out of the three-hole of a starting nine that does not have a true three-hole hitter at this point ... look for Alfonso Soriano to move up in the lineup. Since May 1, Soriano is hitting .311/.373/.557/.931 with six doubles and three home runs.

The Cubs have struggled over the last two seasons with the Astros (8-7 in 15 games last season, 7-11 in 18 games in 2010), mainly due to their pitching staff and Brett Myers. Myers is no longer a starter and has moved into the closer's role. After sending Bud Norris to the hill tonight, Brad Mills will send lefties J.A. Happ and Wandy Rodriguez to the hill on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sveum will counter with Travis Wood and Jeff Samardzija but the Cubs are just 1-6 in games started by southpaws this season.

Tonight it all starts with Matt Garza ...

On a day with the wind howling out, the Cubs offense could not get the ball past the mound and were shutout for the first time this season while the White Sox continued playing pepper with the bleachers at the old ballyard ... and with Waveland Avenue. The White Sox completed only their second series sweep at Wrigley Field since Interleague play began (June 11-June 13, 1999) with a commanding victory over Paul Maholm and the Cubs.

Paul Maholm had a quality start after six innings. Maholm made only three mistakes in the first six innings but all three left the yard. Gordon Beckham, Adam Dunn and Tyler Flowers crushed three pitches off Maholm that accounted for all three of the runs that Maholm allowed through the first six frames. Dale Sveum left Maholm in to start the seventh and the Sox tacked on two more to Maholm's final line.

Maholm ended up allowing five runs on nine hits (three home runs) without a walk and five strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. Maholm threw 97 pitches, 67 for strikes, and did what he could to keep his team in the game on a hitter's day at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs offense was beyond pathetic Sunday afternoon. They had a good game plan early against Jake Peavy and made him work but when the Cubs made contact they could not get the ball out of the infield. Seven of the first 10 batters on Sunday afternoon did not hit the ball past Jake Peavy and only three of the first 16 batters hit the ball out of the infield. Of the first 21 batters that Jake Peavy faced, only four balls made it out of the infield.

The Cubs managed only five hits, all singles and a double by Joe Mather in the ninth, and finished the game 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base. The Cubs loaded the bases twice on Sunday and could not drive in a single run. One of the keys, Starlin Castro and Bryan LaHair are not getting much to hit. While Castro (1-for-4 with two strikeouts) tallied one of the Cubs' five hits he is expanding his strike zone, Bryan LaHair (1-for-2 with two walks) walked twice in four plate appearances.

With Sunday's loss (4-3 on Sundays in 2012), the Cubs dropped to 11 games under the breakeven point with a 15-26 record ... and finished the homestand a big 0 and 5.

Paul Maholm (4-2, 4.35/1.17) vs. Jake Peavy (4-1, 2.65/0.92)

The Cubs will shoot to avoid the sweep at the hand of the White Sox and salvage the last game of the homestand behind Paul Maholm this afternoon. After a good stretch of ball, the Cubs have lost their last five games and enter play today a season-low 10 games under .500.

The injury bug has hit the Cubs. Not only did they lose their starting and backup catcher in the same week that forced a move to bring back Koyie Hill but an injury to Blake Parker during the eighth inning of Saturday's game might force another move. Parker left the game with tightness in his right hamstring and will be re-evaluated Sunday morning.

Steve Clevenger and Carlos Marmol will begin rehab assignments on Monday with the Iowa Cubs. The Cubs are targeting a May 25 return for Clevenger. Marmol is scheduled to throw a side session Monday, then a simulated game on Wednesday. Marmol's first Triple-A action is scheduled for Friday.

More changes to the Cubs' roster are expected over the next three days but the injury to Blake Parker could force them to alter their plans. Dale Sveum is dealing with a lot of injuries right now, mainly to the catching corps, but the poor play has the Cubs staring at the possibility of a winless homestand (0-4).

Today all begins with Paul Maholm ...

Dale Sveum's Cubs dropped their fifth game in a row and looked to be well on their way to being shutout for the first time this season. The White Sox took a 7-0 lead into the ninth and the Cubs had managed only five hits over eight innings.

Alfonso Soriano (3-for-4 with a home run, a double and two RBI) put the Cubs on the board with a two-run shot, his third home run of the week. After a two-out single by Jeff Baker, Joe Mather (1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and a walk) hit the Cubs' second two-out, two-run homer in the ninth. Koyie Hill was 1-for-4 in his return to the Cubs and grounded out to second to end the game.

While the Cubs offense was non-existent for the first eight innings, Ryan Dempster put his team in an early hole and by the third inning the Cubs were looking up at a four-run deficit.

Ryan Dempster did not have it Saturday night. Dempster could not find a rhythm and struggled with his command throughout his six-inning outing. Dempster served up back-to-back home runs to Dayan Viciedo and A.J. Pierzynski in the third and left after giving up four runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts in six innings. Dempster threw 90 pitches, 50 for strikes, in route to his second loss of the season.

The Sox tacked on three more runs in the eighth against the Cubs pen ... with a little help from the Cubs defense. James Russell served up a leadoff homer to Adam Dunn then was lifted with just one out after Alfonso Soriano misplayed a ball into a double and Joe Mather booted a routine grounder that loaded the bases. Blake Parker struck out the only batter he faced before leaving with tightness in his right hamstring. Michael Bowden inherited a 3-0 count on Alejandro De Aza and issued ball four that forced in the seventh run of the game.

Dale Sveum used six pitchers to get through nine innings Saturday night.

The Cubs offense made it very easy on John Danks and allowed him to take a perfect game into the fifth. Alfonso Soriano broke up Danks' bid for perfection with a one-out double in the fifth. The overly aggressive offense simply did not make Danks work. There were too many early swings and they allowed him to leave with one out in the seventh after throwing only 83 pitches, 54 for strikes.

With Saturday's loss, the Cubs dropped to a season low 10 games under .500 with a 15-25 record ...

Ryan Dempster (0-1, 1.74/0.97) vs. John Danks (2-4, 6.46/1.61)

Updated 1:54pm CDT - Randy Wells Recalled from Triple-A Iowa

Updated 5:47pm CDT - Geovany Soto Placed on 15-Day DL

Dale Sveum will turn to Ryan Dempster to end the Cubs' four-game losing streak. The Cubs enter play tonight a season-high nine games under .500 in need of a win. With the retirement of Kerry Wood, Ryan Dempster is leader in the clubhouse and he needs to lead them to a victory tonight.

The Cubs acquired Koyie Hill from the Reds on Saturday morning for cash considerations. With all of the drama at Wrigley on Friday, no one asked why Welington Castillo was removed in the ninth inning for Blake Lalli. It appears Castillo will miss several days (reports suggest 4-7 days) after an MRI revealed a mild MCL sprain in his right knee. Hill is in the starting lineup and hitting eighth.

The Cubs play a rare Saturday night game at Wrigley. Tonight is the first scheduled Satruday night game at Wrigley since 1998. The Cubs have played two Saturday night games at the old ballyard since but both were makeups as parts of doubleheaders in 2002 and 2011.

This is the first of three straight Saturday night games for the Cubs on FOX Saturday Baseball.

It is game two of round one of the City Series, what does today have in store for the Cubs and White Sox?

Tonight it all starts with Ryan Dempster ...

Koyie Hill is with the team and is in Saturday's starting lineup and is hitting eighth.

Welington Castillo is expected to miss four to seven days after an MRI revealed a mild MCL sprain in his right knee.

With the addition of Koyie Hill, the Cubs now have five catchers on the 40-man roster, which stands at 40 players.

Chris Volstad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa but a pitcher was not called up to take his place on the active roster. The Cubs selected the contract of Blake Lalli from the Iowa Cubs, added him to the 40-man roster and called him up in the wake of an MRI revealing a torn meniscus in Geovany Soto's left knee. Soto is expected to be out for three to four weeks. Blake Lalli is expected to serve as the Cubs' backup catcher until Steve Clevenger is able to return from the disabled list. Clevenger could return as early as May 25 for the opener in Pittsburgh.

With the addition of Blake Lalli and the retirement of Kerry Wood, the Cubs' 40-man roster currently stands at 39 players.

It is an understatement to say there were plenty of fireworks at the old ballyard Friday afternoon.

Three of the game's five runs were scored in the first inning. Jeff Samardzija hit Paul Konerko, Phil Humber threw over the head of Bryan LaHair, both benches were warned, the second base umpire made a game changing mistake, Dale Sveum was ejected, Jeff Samardzija tied the game in the seventh with his first hit of the year, Gordon Beckham gave the Sox a one-run lead with a little help from the wind and for the second game in a row, the Cubs had the tying run in scoring position in the ninth but couldn't come up with a clutch hit.

And, Kerry Wood announced his retirement after striking out the only batter he faced swinging then was greeted by his son as he left the field to a standing ovation with the crowd chanting 'Kerry! Kerry!' and 'My Way' playing in the background. Wood made one last curtain call ...

Jeff Samardzija did all he could to end the Cubs slide, both on the mound and at the plate. Samardzija put together quality start but two of the three mistakes he made left the yard and accounted for all of the White Sox runs.

After allowing only two home runs the entire season prior to Friday, Samardzija served up a two-run shot to Paul Konerko in the first and a solo shot to Gordon Beckham that ended up being the game winner. Samardzija's third mistake was when one got away and hit Paul Konerko on the side of the face in the third.

Jeff Samardzija allowed three runs on six hits (two home runs), with two walks and eight strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. Samardzija threw 113 pitches, 78 for strikes. At the plate, Samardzija was 1-for-3 and his first hit of the year drove in the tying run in the seventh.

The Cubs offense was pretty much non-existent. The Cubs pounded out eight hits and had plenty of chances but could not deliver a run scoring hit (2-for-9 with RISP, seven left on base).

Starlin Castro (1-for-3 with a RBI and a sac fly) drove in the Cubs' first run with a sac fly in the first inning but twice the Cubs had a runner on third with less than two outs Friday and failed to put the ball in play.

David DeJesus (2-for-4 with a double and a run scored) had another good day and was involved in the game changing play at second base in the fifth that led to Dale Sveum's second ejection of the season. DeJesus hit a ball into left center and slid in safe at second but Gordon Beckham's momentum knocked him off the bag and Eric Cooper changed his call from safe to out.

The Cubs were given a chance to tie the game in the ninth when Alex Rios lost a ball in the sun that allowed Darwin Barney (2-for-4 with two doubles) to reach on what was ruled a double. Reed Johnson struck out swinging and for the second day in a row Johnson made the final out of the game with the tying run in scoring position.

The rumors started Thursday night that a big announcement was expected from the Cubs within 24 hours. The news leaked Friday morning that Kerry Wood would announce his retirement from Major League Baseball following one more appearance. Kerry Wood struck out Dayan Viciedo then made the official announcement he was retiring from the game after the 3-2 loss. Wood had a magical moment for one final time on a baseball field ... and one that will not soon be forgotten.

With Friday's loss, the Cubs dropped to a season-low nine games under .500 with a 15-24 record ...

Jeff Samardzija (4-1, 2.89/1.17) vs. Philip Humber (1-2, 5.77/1.40)

Even with all of the changes on both sides of Chicago, the next three days should be anything but boring in the first round of the City Series. The Cubs are just 4-8 over the last two years against the Southsiders (2-4 in both 2010 and 2011) but have only been outscored by a total of 10 runs over the last 12 games against the Sox. The Cubs are 39-45 (22-20 at Wrigley Field) against the White Sox.

Dale Sveum will send Jeff Samardzija, Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm to the hill and Robin Ventura will counter with Philip Humber, John Danks and Jake Peavy. Adam Dunn is expected to play left field for the Sox throughout the weekend so he can hit at one of his favorite parks.

Jeff Samardzija fired the first shot off the weekend prior to Thursday's game against the Phillies. Samardzija now has the tough task of putting his money where his mouth is.

Geovany Soto was scratched from Thursday's game because of inflammation in his left knee. Soto had an MRI scheduled for Friday morning and is not expected to be in the starting lineup. Soto will be available but look for Welington Castillo to be behind the plate. Steve Clevenger was expected to start a minor league rehab assignment on Monday and could be activated from the DL a week from today (May 25).

Updated 10:23am CDT - Geovany Soto has a small tear in his meniscus and will be placed on the DL following Friday's game. Darwin Barney is the Cubs' emergency catcher for Friday. Soto will have his knee scoped and is expected to miss three to four weeks. Blake Lalli is expected to be added to the 40-man roster and called up to serve as Welington Castillo's backup until Steve Clevenger returns.

The Cubs begin their Interleague schedule this afternoon after going 5-10 versus the Junior Circuit a year ago. Along with the six games against the Sox, the Cubs have three against the Twins (June 8 - June 10), three against Prince Fielder and the Tigers (June 12 - June 14) and three at Wrigley against the Red Sox (June 15 - June 17). Sveum's Cubs play only six games in AL parks (Minnesota, White Sox)

The Cubs are in need of a win. After dropping three in a row, Sveum's Cubs enter play this afternoon a season-high eight games under .500.

Today it all starts with Jeff Samardzija in what could be Kerry Wood's last game.

Reports are still coming in. Will update but it appears Kerry Wood will call it a career.

Updated 9:16am CDT - Other outlets are confirming Levine's report that Kerry Wood will retire. Levine is not sure if Wood will suit up for this afternoon's game then make the announcement after the game.

Updated 9:56am CDT - According to the Tribune, Kerry Wood would like to pitch in one more game. Wood will be active Friday afternoon and will be available out of the pen. Wood is expected to retire following the end of the next game he pitches in.

(Please note this makes me want to buy BP gas less than I would have prior to this sponsorship.)

And the world arrives in Chicago as the NATO summit officially gets underway this weekend. I am not sure what is going to be more of a mess, Clark Street on Saturday at 7:00 pm or the Loop on Saturday at 7 pm. Though I can tell you what will be more fun.

With that said, let's pray that all protests are peaceful, no violence occurs and the Cubs sweep the Pale Hose. So let's go rambling ...

To the Cubs credit they never quit Thursday night and had the tying run on in the ninth after being down 8-2 going into the bottom of the eighth. The Cubs scored single runs in the seventh and eighth on home runs by Starlin Castro (1-for-3 with a home run, a sac fly and two RBI) and Welington Castillo (2-for-4 with a home run, a double, four RBI and two runs scored) off Roy Halladay.

The Cubs then scored four in the ninth off rookie southpaw Jake Diekman. Welington Castillo delivered a two-out bases clearing double and scored on a single by Darwin Barney (2-for-4 with a RBI) off Jonathan Papelbon. Reed Johnson grounded out to third to end the game.

Thursday's game was not as close as the final score. The Phillies jumped on Chris Volstad early and knocked him out of the game in the second inning. Volstad issued three walks to the first 10 batters he faced. The Phillies loaded the bases in both the first and second inning and he appeared to be trying too much once again. Volstad looked defeated when he left the mound following the second inning. Volstad allowed four runs on six hits with three walks and two strikeouts in just two innings. Volstad threw 58 pitches, 32 for strikes, in just two frames (28 pitches in the first, 30 in the second).

Chris Volstad dropped to a miserable 0-6 on the season. The Cubs are winless in the eight games (0-8) Volstad has started this season ... 15-15 in the other 30.

Dale Sveum addressed the situation with Volstad after the game. Sveum said he would sit down with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to discuss Volstad's spot in the rotation and what options the Cubs have to fill the spot. Sveum said that Travis Wood would be the logical choice to replace Volstad in the Cubs' rotation if a change is made.

Casey Coleman took over for Volstad in the third and kept his team in the game. Coleman allowed one run on four hits with a walk and two strikeouts in four innings. Coleman threw 64 pitches, 36 for strikes.

Blake Parker made his big league debut after being called up from Iowa on Thursday. Parker put together an excellent seventh inning but Parker could not pitch out of a jam in the eighth. Parker put two on with no outs and after a wild pitch advanced runners to second and third, Parker appeared to get out of the inning. Parker bobbled a comebacker off the bat of Hunter Pence and threw the ball down the right field line. Parker's throwing error led to three unearned runs for the Phillies in the eighth.

The Cubs finished the season series with a 2-4 record against the Phillies.

With Thursday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 15-23 on the season ...

Chris Volstad (0-5, 6.92/1.46) vs. Roy Halladay (3-3, 3.20/1.08)

Updated 4:03pm CDT - Blake Parker Added to the 40-man Roster, Called-up from Triple-A Iowa - Scott Maine Optioned to Triple-A Iowa

How will Dale Sveum's team respond to the pounding they took Wednesday night from the Phillies? The Cubs not only end their brief two-game series with the Phillies' tonight but also face Philadelphia for the last time this season. After splitting the first four games in Philly, the Cubs need a victory tonight to post a split in the season series (2-3).

The Cubs' pen took another beating Wednesday, even with the addition of another arm. The Cubs placed Rule 5 Draft pick Lendy Castillo on the 15-day DL with a strained left groin just before first pitch Wednesday night and recalled Scott Maine from Triple-A Iowa.

Tonight is a big start for Chris Volstad. The Cubs need for Volstad to step up and put together a solid start without the-one-bad-inning that has plagued him all season. The Cubs are 0-7 in Volstad's seven starts this season ... and 15-15 in the other 30 games.

In other news ... Blake DeWitt cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa. DeWitt accepted his assignment to Triple-A Iowa and will report to the I-Cubs on Friday.

Steve Clevenger played catch in the outfield and hit both off a tee and on the side for the first time since going on the DL back on April 28 with a right oblique strain. Clevenger is reportedly ahead of schedule and could return as early as May 25 in Pittsburgh. Clevenger said the plan is for him to go out on a minor league rehab after the five-game homestand that ends Sunday.

Tonight all begins with Chris Volstad ...

With the addition of Blake Parker, the Cubs' 40-man roster stands at 39 players.

As Jack Brickhouse used to say ... for the happy totals come look in today's Down on the Farm Report.

Wednesday night's game between the Cubs and Phillies was tied at two going into the eighth inning. Matt Garza labored through a 6 2/3 inning start but allowed only two runs and kept his team in the game. Alfonso Soriano (1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI) drove in the Cubs' two runs with his second home run in as many games, a two-run line drive homer to left center in the fourth and gave the Cubs a brief 2-1 lead.

Carlos Ruiz broke the 2-2 tie with his seventh longball of the year with one out in the eighth off Shawn Camp ... then the Cubs' pen imploded in the ninth. The Phillies scored six runs in the ninth and turned a close ballgame into a blowout.

After the Phillies loaded the bases with no outs against the recently recalled Scott Maine, Michael Bowden gave up a two-run single to Ty Wigginton then a pinch-hit grand slam to Hector Luna.

Matt Garza admitted after the game that he is not back to full strength from his bout with the flu. Garza allowed two runs on eight hits with a walk and two strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. If not for two inning ending double plays turned in by the Cubs' defense, Garza's final line might have looked a lot different. Garza could not put hitters away early, coupled with his yips, he ran up his pitch count and left in the seventh after throwing 107 pitches, 70 for strikes.

While the Cubs' pen was horrible again, the offense was a no show on Wednesday night. There were only two highlights in nine innings ... a two-run home run by Alfonso Soriano in the fourth and a 14-pitch at bat by Bryan LaHair that preceded Soriano's second longball in as many games.

The Cubs managed just three hits and no walks Wednesday night. Phillies' pitching retired the last 17 batters they faced. The Cubs did not manage a single baserunner after Soriano's homer in the fourth.

Bryan LaHair (0-for-4 with a run scored) reached on an error by Juan Pierre and scored on Alfonso Soriano's home run but his streak of reaching base safely ended at 32 games.

With Wednesday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 15-22 on the season ...

Matt Garza (2-1, 2.56/0.98) vs. Kyle Kendrick (0-3, 7.32/2.03)

Updated 7:09pm CDT - Lendy Castillo Placed on 15-day DL with left groin strain. Scott Maine recalled from Triple-A Iowa - Blake DeWitt cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa

The Cubs open a five-game homestand today with the first of two against the Phillies. The homestand concludes Sunday after three with the White Sox. The Cubs split a four-game series in Philadelphia (2-2) a little over two weeks ago.

The Phillies are still without Ryan Howard and Chase Utley but are playing better ball of late. Philadelphia has crept to within a game of .500.

Tonight is a rematch of the game back on April 29 between Matt Garza and Kyle Kendrick. The Cubs won the game 5-1 behind Garza's seven shutout innings. Vance Worley was originally scheduled to start tonight's opener but was scratched late Tuesday afternoon with elbow soreness. The Cubs will miss Cliff Lee and will face Roy Halladay on Thursday night. Chris Volstad is scheduled to take the ball for the Cubs, in what could be one of his last starts unless he starts avoiding the one-bad inning.

In other news ... Steve Clevenger and Carlos Marmol played catch in left field during Wednesday's workout at Wrigley. The Cubs have not announced a timeframe on Steve Clevenger's return. When he is ready to pitch, Carlos Marmol will go on a minor league rehab before being activated from the 15-day DL according to the Tribune.

Updated 4:15pm CDT - Lendy Castillo might be placed on the DL prior to game time. The Cubs' Rule 5 Draft pick has a moderate groin strain and saw a doctor Wednesday. Scott Maine is with the team and would be activated if Castillo is placed on the disabled list.

Tonight all starts with Matt Garza ...

Recently, I had the pleasure of being able to cover the series between the Chiefs and Kane County. It was a pleasant addition to be able to meet some of the executives from the Cubs organization. I'd like to thank Shawn Touney, Director of Public Relations for the Kane County Cougars, as well as Broadcast and Media Manager Nate Baliva of the Peoria Chiefs for their hospitality.

I'd also like to mention reporters Chris Emma of Northsiders Report.com and Mike Knapp of the Beacon News, who were my companions during the series; as well as reporter Larry Peterson of the Fox Valley Labor News, and Woodrow Carroll as they all made me feel welcome in the press box.

The Cubs also announced they signed right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal to a minor league contract. MacDougal reported to Triple-A Iowa and pitched in Tuesday's game.

The offense did their part and tried to complete the two-game sweep in St. Louis but Dale Sveum's staff could not keep the high-powered Cardinals from scoring. The Cubs had to settle for a split against the Redbirds and will limp home after a 2-3 road trip.

The Cubs had an opportunity to complete the sweep and led Tuesday's finale twice. Kerry Wood blew another lead (Wood has two blown saves, the Cubs' pen has eight blown saves in 14 chances) after Reed Johnson broke the 4-4 tie in the seventh with a pinch-hit RBI single. Wood walked two of the first three batters he faced in the seventh ... and the first one, Rafael Furcal, scored the tying run on a single by Allen Craig.

After James Russell surrendered his first home run of the year to lefty Matt Carpenter in the eighth that gave the Cardinals a 6-5 lead, Alfonso Soriano (2-for-4 with a home run, a double and two runs scored) tied the game in the ninth off Jason Motte with his first longball of the season (120th at bat).

But Rafael Dolis gave up a lead-off single to Matt Holliday (3-for-4 with a home run, a walk and three runs scored) in the ninth ... and two outs later, Yadier Molina (1-for-4 with a RBI and a walk) beat the shift and singled past a diving Darwin Barney into right for the walk-off win.

Kerry Wood, James Russell and Rafael Dolis each gave up a run in the final three innings of Tuesday's game.

The Cubs offense jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning before Kyle Lohse shut them down. Starlin Castro (1-for-4 with a RBI) drove in the game's first run. After Bryan LaHair (1-for-4 with a home run) grounded into a 3-6 double play that plated the Cubs' second run, Alfonso Soriano doubled and scored on a two-out single by Ian Stewart (1-for-4 with a RBI) ... but Paul Maholm could not hold the lead.

The Cardinals scored two runs in the first, tied the game in the second and took the lead in the fifth.

Bryan LaHair tied the game in the sixth with his tenth home run of the season (LaHair has reached base safely in each of the last 32 games he's played). Reed Johnson hit for Maholm in the seventh and put Maholm in line for the win.

After a four-game stretch of excellent starts, the Cardinals got to Paul Maholm again. Maholm allowed four runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts in six innings (106 pitches, 69 for strikes) and was hit pretty hard all afternoon.

The Cubs defense made several outstanding defensive plays ... and some not so outstanding as well. Ian Stewart turned in two more tremendous efforts that will end up on a highlight reel.

With Tuesday's loss, the Cubs are still searching for their first three-game winning streak of the season and dropped to 15-21 on the season ...

Paul Maholm (4-2, 4.05/1.08) vs. Kyle Lohse (5-1, 2.08/1.02)

Updated 11:07am CDT - Cubs Signed Mike MacDougal to a Minor League Contract

The Cubs short, five-game trip to Milwaukee and St. Louis comes to an end today with the finale against the Cardinals. The Cubs are 2-2 and have a chance this afternoon to not only finish the trip with a winning record but post their first three-game winning streak of the season.

During his pre-game show Monday, Dale Sveum mentioned he would likely give Bryan LaHair and Geovany Soto the day off this afternoon. Sveum explained that LaHair could probably use a breather ... but that was before Bryan LaHair went 3-for-4 with a walk, two RBI, a stolen base and hit his ninth longball of the season.

Today all starts with Paul Maholm ...

Dale Sveum's Cubs somehow pulled out a win Monday night in a sloppy, bunt-filled game in St. Louis. The Cubs hit the ball all around Busch Stadium and tied a season high with 14 hits. The Cubs loaded the bases three times Monday night and did not push across a single run. In a game that was much closer than it needed to be, the Cubs finished the night 3-for-17 with runners in scoring position and left 14 runners on base.

Alfonso Soriano (1-for-4 with a RBI and a walk) broke up the 4-4 tie in the eighth with his first career hit off Mitchell Boggs, a bloop single to left that plated Tony Campana (1-for-5 with two runs scored, a sac but and a stolen base). The Cubs scored an insurance run in the ninth on a hit by pitch, two Cardinals' errors and a sac bunt.

The Cubs scored four of their six runs in the fifth and actually gave Ryan Dempster run support. Starlin Castro (2-for-5 with a RBI and a run scored) drove in the Cubs' first run in the four-run fifth with a single and he scored on a two-run shot off the bat of Bryan LaHair (3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, a stolen base and a walk). LaHair has now reached base safely in the last 31 games he's played. Geovany Soto (2-for-4 with a RBI) drove in Ian Stewart (2-for-4 with a double and a run scored) for the Cubs' final run in the fifth.

Ryan Dempster finally received some run support but he could not hold the lead and departed with the game tied in the seventh. Dempster was very good once again through five innings. He worked his way out of a bases loaded jam in the second and put together an impressive shutdown inning in the bottom of the fifth after his offense gave him a lead. The Cardinals scored all four of their runs in a long sixth inning off Dempster.

Ryan Dempster allowed four runs on nine hits with a walk and five strikeouts in six innings. Dempster threw 95 pitches, 63 for strikes, and he remains winless in his last 15 starts (Cubs are 3-12 in his last 15 games).

Shawn Camp picked up his second win in as many days after tossing two innings of shutout ball. Camp made three quick outs in the seventh (six pitches) and he pitched around a leadoff double by Allen Craig in the eighth.

Rafael Dolis earned his fourth save with a impressive ninth inning.

With Monday's win, the Cubs improved to 15-20 on the season ...

Ryan Dempster (0-1, 1.02/0.85) vs. Jake Westbrook (4-2, 1.76/1.07)

The Cubs open a quick two-game series tonight in St. Louis. The brief series between the two long-time rivals ends Tuesday afternoon with Paul Maholm scheduled to take on Kyle Lohse.

Dale Sveum's Cubs have split the first six games against the Cardinals this season (3-3) and after tomorrow they will not see St. Louis again until after the All-Star break (July 20 - July 22)

The Cubs might not be catching the defending World Champions at the right time. The Cardinals are coming off a weekend sweep at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. Carlos Beltran is red hot (.298/.406/.653/1.058) and hit his 13th homer of the season Sunday. The Cardinals also received a boost when Lance Berkman returned from the DL for Sunday's finale against the Braves.

Alfonso Soriano is still looking for his first home run of the season and the Cubs are looking for some power from the fifth hitter in the lineup. Dale Sveum finally got him to swing a lighter bat (32 1/4 ounce from 33 1/2 ounce bat) but with the way he was moving Sunday will Soriano be part of Sveum's starting nine for tonight's game?

Tonight all starts with Ryan Dempster ...

To see how things shook down, today's Down on the Farm Report will provide the answers.

The Cubs were able to salvage the last game of the series and end their 10-game losing streak at Miller Park in a game that was much closer than the final score. The Cubs scored in each of their last five at bats and turned a close game into what looked like an easy victory.

The Cubs first two runs came on solo homers by Ian Stewart (2-for-5 with a home run, a double and two runs scored) and Reed Johnson. Stewart's fourth home run of the year tied the game at one in the fifth and Johnson's first of the season gave the Cubs a brief 2-1 advantage in the sixth. Reed Johnson hit for Jeff Samardzija leading off the sixth and put Samardzija in line for the win but the pen could not hold the lead.

After Shawn Camp allowed the Brewers to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth, the Cubs scored the go ahead run in the top of the seventh on a throwing error by Edwin Maysonet. Ian Stewart reached on ground rule double with one out and was awarded home when Maysonet airmailed his throw to first on a grounder to the hole at short off the bat of Darwin Barney (1-for-4 with a double, a run scored, a stolen base and a RBI).

James Russell was able to pitch around two errors in the bottom of the seventh to preserve the one run lead. The Cubs added two in the eighth and three in the ninth to blow the game open.

After not recording their first hit until the fourth, the Cubs scored all eight runs in the finale five innings and finished the day with 13 hits (5-for-13 with RISP, seven left on base).

The top of the lineup was very productive. David DeJesus (2-for-5 with a run scored), Tony Campana (3-for-5 with a RBI, a run scored and a stolen base) and Starlin Castro (2-for-5 with a RBI) were 7-for-15 with two runs scored and two RBI.

Despite being visibly hampered by his left knee, Alfonso Soriano (1-for-4 with a double and a RBI) contributed at the plate with a RBI double in the eighth that plated Bryan LaHair (0-for-4 with a run scored and a walk, reached base safely in last 30 games he's played) with the Cubs' fifth run. Geovany Soto (1-for-3 with a walk, a double and a RBI) and Darwin Barney notched back-to-back doubles in the ninth that kept Dale Sveum from using Rafael Dolis in the ninth.

Jeff Samardzija was sharp in his five innings of work. Samardzija allowed one run on three hits with two walks and six strikeouts on 91 pitches, 59 for strikes. The Brewers were able to work counts, especially Norichika Aoki (18 pitches in three at bats against Samardzija), and forced Dale Sveum to make a decision earlier than he might have considering how ineffective his pen has been.

James Russell and Kerry Wood pitched two scoreless in relief on Shawn Camp before Michael Bowden closed it out with the Cubs up big in the ninth.

With Sunday's win (4-2 on Sundays in 2012), the Cubs improved to 14-20 on the season ...

Jeff Samardzija (4-1, 3.03/1.19) vs. Marco Estrada (0-2, 4.50/1.12)

Happy Mother's Day from the CCO!

Dale Sveum's Cubs will try to end their weekend in Milwaukee on a positive note today behind Jeff Samardzija. After basically losing two games Saturday, the Cubs have lost their last 10 games at Miller Park dating back to April 8, 2011. Carlos Zambrano beat Randy Wolf 7-3 on the second Friday in April with Carlos Marmol picking up the save.

The Cubs are 1-5 against the Brewers this season and simply have not found a way to hold down the defending NL Central Division Champs.

The Cubs pen should be back at full strength for today's finale after Chris Volstad and Casey Coleman pitched the eight innings in Saturday's loss.

Alfonso Soriano continued to struggle Saturday and appeared to be favoring his left knee in the seventh inning when he could not get to an eventual single off the bat of Aramis Ramirez. Soriano missed a couple of games last week and the Cubs' lineup might benefit from him being held out of today's game. The Cubs are trying to get Soriano going but in 28 games he has yet to hit one out of the park ... his longest drought to start a season.

In other news ... The MRI on Carlos Marmol's right hamstring showed very minimal damage according to multiple reports. Carlos Marmol might have to go on a minor league rehab before returning to the Cubs' pen. Reports indicated that Marmol could end up not missing much more than his required 15 days.

Today all starts with Jeff Samardzija ...

After putting together one of their better homestands in a couple of seasons, the Cubs felt pretty good before they began the three-game series Friday night against the Brewers. Twenty-two innings later, the Cubs lost for the second time on Saturday at Miller Park and dropped their tenth in a row at the Brewers' home park.

Chris Volstad was very solid for five innings at Miller Park on Saturday afternoon but once again Volstad completed six innings of work ... and it was the sixth inning that was Volstad's undoing.

The game was tied at one entering the bottom of the sixth. The Brewers proceeded to put up five runs with the biggest blow coming off the bat of Edwin Maysonet. The career minor leaguer hit the first grand slam of his big league career and just his second Major League home run off Volstad after he intentionally walked Travis Ishikawa to load the bases. The Cubs' bad defense gave the Brewers an extra out in the sixth, Milwaukee took full advantage and put the game away.

Chris Volstad was shaky, but effective in the first five innings on a day his team needed him to step up. Volstad allowed one run in the first five on 62 pitches, 40 for strikes. Volstad hit the mental wall in the sixth and surrendered the five runs on 37 pitches, 23 for strikes. Chris Volstad allowed six runs, all earned, on nine hits with two walks and one strikeout in six innings.

Casey Coleman kept the Brewers off the board in seventh but the Brewers took batting practice off Coleman in the eighth and turned an ugly game into an embarrassment. Coleman allowed two runs on four hits with a walk and no strikeouts in his two innings of work. Coleman threw 46 pitches, 28 for strikes.

The Cubs offense was non existent against Shaun Marcum. Marcum improved to 4-0 in four career starts against the Cubs by allowing one run on three hits with two walks and six strikeouts in seven innings. The Cubs managed only one hit after the first and the only run scored when Starlin Castro (0-for-4) grounded into a 5-4-3 double play in the first inning.

Adrian Cardenas (1-for-1 with a double and a run scored) doubled to start the eighth, his first big league hit. Tony Campana (2-for-4 with a double and a RBI) doubled in Cardenas with the Cubs second run.

The Cubs looked tired Saturday afternoon and for one of the few times this season they looked defeated after Chris Volstad was slammed in the sixth.

With Saturday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 13-20 on the season ...

Chris Volstad (0-4, 6.55/1.39) vs. Shaun Marcum (1-1, 3.41/1.24)

Updated 11:17am CDT - Carlos Marmol Placed on 15-Day DL - Casey Coleman Recalled from Triple-A Iowa

With very little time between the final pitch of Friday's night game that ended Saturday morning and the first pitch of today's game, it will be interesting to see how the Cubs respond to the extra inning loss in which they took a lead into the bottom of the seven and bottom of the ninth.

The Cubs will need a long, effective outing from Chris Volstad this afternoon. Even with the day off, the Cubs bullpen is depleted. Carlos Marmol is expected to be placed on the DL with a right hamstring strain. Scott Maine did not pitch Friday night and is expected to rejoin the big league team. But Iowa is on the West Coast and played in Fresno last night.

Rafael Dolis and Kerry Wood will likely not be available after tossing two innings Friday night. Dolis threw 41 pitches, 20 for strikes, in his two frames while Wood only tossed 25 (11 for strikes), he did complete two innings of work.

Geovany Soto will be back in the starting lineup and Tony Campana should be as well. David DeJesus and Ian Stewart were supposed to have Friday off but ended up with just as many at bats as a normal game.

Today is a rematch of the game back on April 9 in which Shaun Marcum beat Chirs Volstad and the Cubs.

This afternoon all starts with Chris Volstad ...

Friday night's game between the Cubs and Brewers that ended early Saturday morning was a 1-0 game going into the seventh inning. Matt Garza gave up a run in the first after the Brewers loaded the bases with no outs. Randy Wolf made the one-run lead hold up through his six innings of work.

The game ended in the 13th after Lendy Castillo hit Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun to start the inning. Aramis Ramirez singled to right to load the bases and Corey Hart drove in the winning run with a single to center.

There will not be too many highlights from the ugly game at Miller Park that lasted five hours and four minutes. There were five lead changes and both managers used all of their position players and available pitchers in the marathon. The two teams scored a combined 15 runs on 23 hits with 21 walks, four hit batsmen and two errors ... and both teams had plenty of opportunities to end the game long before the 13th inning. The Cubs finished the night 3-for-13 with RISP and left 13 on base while the Brewers were 4-for-16 with runners in scoring position and left 15 on base.

The Cubs finally got on the board and took a big lead with one swing of the bat in the seventh. David DeJesus (2-for-4 with a home run, a triple, five RBI and two runs scored) hit for Jeff Baker and launched the first pitch from Kameron Loe over the right field wall for the second grand slam of his career. DeJesus' first homer in a Cubs' uniform gave the Cubs a short-lived 4-1 lead.

Carlos Marmol basically gave the game back to the Brewers before leaving with a right hamstring strain. Marmol will undergo an MRI in Chicago on Saturday and is likely headed to the disabled list. After Marmol gave up a two-out RBI double to Aramis Ramirez that cut the Cubs' lead to 4-2, Marmol got ahead of Corey Hart 1-2 before he had to leave the game. Michael Bowden replaced Marmol, gave up a single to Hart, walked George Kottaras to load the bases then surrendered a bases clearing double to pinch-hitter Jonathan Lucroy that gave the Brewers a 5-4 lead.

The Cubs battled back, tied the game and took the lead in the ninth against John Axford. Axford blew his first regular season save since April 18, 2011 ... a string of 49 straight. David DeJesus tripled in Ian Stewart then scored the go ahead run on a wild pitch in which Starlin Castro (1-for-6 with a walk and a run scored) actually struck out on. Castro reached, stole second and scored the Cubs' seventh run on a RBI single by Alfonso Soriano (2-for-6 with a RBI and a walk).

Rafael Dolis blew his second save of the season after he gave up a two-run homer to Corey Hart in the bottom of the ninth.

Cubs' pitching came within one free pass of tying a franchise record for the most walks issued in a single game (15 on May 15, 1962 against the Mets in New York). The Cubs issued 14 walks in Friday's game and hit three more batters ... 17 free baserunners.

Matt Garza labored through his five-inning start Friday night. Garza made his first start in 12 days after missing time with the flu. Garza reportedly lost nearly 12 pounds and he appeared weak as he struggled with his command. Garza could not find a rhythm and allowed one run on three hits with a season-high five walks and only three strikeouts. Garza threw 93 pitches, 51 for strikes.

Welington Castillo (3-for-6 with a double) notched the first three-hit game of his big league career and finished the game at first base (Bryan LaHair moved to left in the 13th) but also showed how much he needs to learn in order to be a Major League catcher.

The Cubs have now lost nine in a row at what used to be labeled Wrigley North.

With Friday night's loss, the Cubs dropped to 13-19 on the season ...

Matt Garza (2-1, 2.67/0.89) vs. Randy Wolf (2-3, 6.68/1.82)

The Cubs begin a five-game road trip tonight in Milwaukee with the first of three against the Brewers. The quick trip ends Tuesday afternoon in St. Louis. Dale Sveum's Cubs lost three of four to Milwaukee during the first homestand of the year and will face a much different Brewers' team this weekend.

Mat Gamel is out for the season with a torn ACL and rumors have suggested that the Brewers are interested in signing Derrek Lee to replace Gamel. Carlos Gomez (left hamstring strain) and Alex Gonzalez (right knee injury) are on the DL and Cesar Izturis is filling in at short. Chris Narveson will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a torn left rotator cuff.

Dale Sveum will make his return to Milwaukee and for the first time he will call the shots from the visitor's dugout. After tonight, Sveum will send Chris Volstad to the hill Saturday against Shaun Marcum and Jeff Samardzija will face Marco Estrada in Sunday's finale.

What will the Cubs' lineup look like for tonight's game? Bryan LaHair has a double in three at bats against Randy Wolf while Jeff Baker has raked against Wolf in his career (10-for-24 with two doubles, a home run and a walk). Ian Stewart (2-for-5 with a double, a home run and a walk) also has good numbers against Wolf while three of Alfonso Soriano's nine career hits against Wolf have gone for extra bases (9-for-35 with a double, two home runs and four walks).

The two rivals will battle for fifth place in the central over the weekend with the much-improved Astros just a game ahead of both the Cubs and Brewers.

Tonight all starts with Matt Garza ...

After a grotesque and gut-wrenching 3-11 start, the Cubs have won 10 of 17 and head to Milwaukee to face a surprisingly struggling Brew Crew. So, with the impending series in Milwaukee, I just have this to say ...

LET'S GET READY TO .... RAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMBBBBBLLLEEEEE

Starlin Castro is being paid $567,000 this season after earning $440,000 last year.

For the full stories, come inside today's Down on the Farm Report.

Pitching, defense and timely hitting win ballgames and Sveum's Cubs found the right mix of all three in Wednesday's shutout victory over the Braves.

Paul Maholm picked up where Jeff Samardzija and Ryan Dempster left off. Maholm tossed seven innings of scoreless ball and limited the high-powered Braves' offense to just three hits. Maholm walked three and struck out three on 95 pitches, 64 for strikes. Maholm kept everything down Wednesday. Of the 21 outs Maholm recorded, 15 were on the ground and another one of the keys to Maholm's success Wednesday was he retired the leadoff hitter in each of his seven innings.

After a miserable start, Paul Maholm has won his last four starts while defeating the likes of Roy Halladay, Chad Billingsley and Tim Hudson in the process.

James Russell (no runs on one hit with a walk and a strikeout) pitched his way out of a two-out jam in the eighth and Rafael Dolis sat down Chipper Jones, Jason Heyward and Brian McCann in order in the ninth (14 pitches, nine for strikes) for his third save of the season.

Cubs' pitching did an excellent job in the series win over the Braves. Atlanta scored 29 runs last weekend in three games in Colorado and Sveum's staff held them to four runs (starters allowed two runs) in 27 innings. Wednesday was the Cubs 19th quality start in 31 games.

The Cubs defensive positioning once again played a huge role. Paul Maholm pitched to his defense but balls that were hits in years past continued being loud outs on Wednesday.

Bryan LaHair (2-for-3 with a RBI) delivered the big hit again, a two-out single against the shift in the seventh that plated David DeJesus (1-for-3 with a run scored) with the game's only run. LaHair notched his first hit leading off the second that ran his streak to 27 games in which he has reached base safely via a hit or a walk.

The Cubs were very aggressive against Tim Hudson and allowed him to throw only 73 pitches, 51 for strikes, in seven innings. Only two Cubs reached third base Wednesday ... one scored and the other was thrown out at home trying to stretch a triple into an inside the park home run. Starlin Castro (1-for-3 with a triple) was thrown out at the plate to end the fourth. Darwin Barney (1-for-3) managed the Cubs only other hit as the offense tallied five hits and finished the game 1-for-2 with runners in scoring position and left one on base.

The Cubs finished the homestand with a 4-2 record against the Dodgers and Braves and beat Tim Hudson for the first time (2-1). The Cubs have now won or tied their last five series and are 9-6 in their last 15 games.

With Wednesday's win, the Cubs are 13-18 on the season ...

Paul Maholm (3-2, 5.13/1.14) vs. Tim Hudson (1-0, 6.55/1.55)

Even with the disappointing loss Tuesday night, with a victory this afternoon the Cubs have a chance to post their second consecutive series win and finish the six-game homestand against the Dodgers and Braves with a 4-2 record.

The Cubs will turn to Paul Maholm in the series finale and with not using Rafael Dolis and James Russell last night, if the Cubs have a lead late in the game both of Dale Sveum's young relievers should be available.

Chipper Jones is expected to retire at the end of the season. The future Hall of Famer will play his last regular season game at Wrigley Field this afternoon. The old ballyard has not been that friendly to Jones over his career. In 54 games, Jones is 44-for-200 with three doubles and 10 home runs (.220/.303/.393/.696).

Will Welington Castillo be behind the plate this afternoon? What about Darwin Barney at second base?

Today all starts with Paul Maholm ...

Ryan Dempster battled his was through seven innings Tuesday night and left with the game tied at one. The Cubs offense was pretty much non-existent the entire game but Alfonso Soriano (1-for-3 with a double, a RBI and a walk) was able to double in Tony Campana (1-for-4 with a run scored) with two out knock in the sixth.

Kerry Wood took over in the eighth and could not find the strike zone. Wood gave up lead-off single to Michael Bourn then walked Martin Prado. Prado was trying to bunt Bourn to second but Wood could not throw him a strike. Wood induced a grounder off the bat of Freddie Freeman to second. For some reason, Adrian Cardenas underhanded the ball to Starlin Castro from at least 30 feet away, if not more. Freeman beat Castro's throw to first then Wood walked Brian McCann to load the bases.

Dan Uggla delivered the knock-out. Uggla ripped a 1-1 pitch into left center that plated both Michael Bourn and Freddie Freeman. With the backend of the Braves pen, the game was over at that point. Wood picked off McCann at second then as he left the field threw his glove and hat into the stands. Kerry Wood gave up two runs on two hits with two walks and no strikeouts on 22 pitches, nine for strikes.

Ryan Dempster was not sharp Tuesday night but was still able to keep his team in the game. Defensive positioning played a big role while Dempster was on the mound. The Braves smoked several balls right into the defense. Dempster allowed one run on six hits with a walk and seven strikeouts in seven innings. Dempster once again received no support. The offense has scored a grand total of eight runs while Dempster was on the mound over his five starts.

The Cubs offense managed only five hits Tuesday night but still had chances to score runs in a two-run loss. The Cubs finished 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left six on base.

Alfonso Soriano drove in the Cubs' lone run and played well in the field again. Starlin Castro (1-for-4) added another hit and while he did not record a hit, Bryan LaHair (0-for-3 with a walk and four left on base) worked a walk in the second and now has reached base safely in the last 26 games he's played.

With Tuesday loss, the Cubs dropped back to 12-18 on the season ...

Ryan Dempster (0-1, 0.95/0.81) vs. Randall Delgado (2-3, 5.14/1.46)

Can the Cubs make it three in a row tonight behind Ryan Dempster? After the walk-off win in Sunday's finale against the Dodgers and the victory in game one Monday night, Dale Sveum's team has a chance to do something they have not done all season ... win a game for a third straight day.

The Cubs have played better ball of late and are 3-1 on the homestand. Plus they are hitting the ball out of the park. After managing to hit a Major League low nine homers in April, the Cubs have hit nine longballs in the last seven games.

Alfonso Soriano is expected to be back in the starting lineup after receiving a night off. Could Adrian Cardenas get his first start after making his big league debut Monday night?

As for the backend of the pen, Rafael Dolis will be available tonight but the Cubs' lone lefty in the pen will likely get the night off. After throwing two innings Sunday, James Russell finished up Monday's game with a 20-pitch ninth inning.

Tonight it all starts with Ryan Dempster ...

Jeff Samardzija allowed one run to the best offense in the National League and home runs by Bryan LaHair, Ian Stewart and Geovany Soto accounted for four of the Cubs' five runs Monday night. The Cubs played a complete game again and won on back-to-back days for the second time this season.

Jeff Samardzija was very, very good once again. Samardzija held the Braves to one run on five hits with two walks, a HBP and seven strikeouts over seven innings. Samardzija made only one mistake and Jason Heyward deposited it into the bleachers in right. Samardzija was not as sharp as he was in his last outing against the Reds but was facing a much better lineup. The Braves ran up his pitch count early but Samardzija was still able to complete seven innings. Samardzija threw 105 pitches, 66 for strikes, in route to his fourth win of the season.

Carlos Marmol pitched his way in and out of trouble in the eighth. Marmol walked the first two batters he faced before falling behind Freddie Freeman. It was painful to watch because Marmol looked defeated on the mound. Marmol was able to get out of the jam after Freddie Freeman smoked a 3-1 pitch back up the middle to a perfectly positioned Starlin Castro. Marmol found a groove after a wild pitch put the tying runs in scoring position. Marmol struck out Brian McCann and Dan Uggla to end the eighth and left the field pounding his chest and screaming at himself. Marmol threw 25 pitches in the eighth, 13 for strikes.

James Russell retired three of the four batters he faced in the ninth to close it out for Jeff Samardzija.

The team that could not buy a home run early in the season has now hit 13 longballs in the last 12 games. Bryan LaHair (1-for-3 with a home run and a walk, reached base safely in 25 straight games) and Ian Stewart (1-for-3 with a home run and a walk) hit back-to-back jacks off Tommy Hanson in the fourth that gave the Cubs the lead. LaHair's eighth dinger of the season tied the game at one and Stewart's third gave Samardzija a lead.

Geovany Soto (2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI) hit his third homer of the season in the eighth that put the game away.

Starlin Castro (2-for-4 with a RBI) added a big two out run scoring single in the seventh that gave the Cubs a 3-1 lead. Tony Campana (2-for-4 with a double) added two more hits, including his third double in two games.

The Cubs defense was solid again and the positioning by the coaching staff continues to pay big dividends. The Cubs turned two double plays Monday night with the biggest coming in the seventh. With the Cubs up 2-1, two on and one out in the seventh, Bryan LaHair caught a liner off the bat of Eric Hinske that off the bat appeared to be a double down the line. LaHair doubled off Heyward at second to end the inning.

Fredi Gonzalez was ejected in the seventh inning by homeplate umpire Chris Conroy after he warned both benches in response to Eric O'Flaherty hitting David DeJesus in retaliation for Jeff Samardzija hitting Jason Heyward in the top of the inning.

With Monday's win, the Cubs improved to 12-17 on the season ...

Jeff Samardzija (3-1, 3.41/1.23) vs. Tommy Hanson (3-2, 3.74/1.43)

Updated 4:00pm CDT - Adrian Cardenas Recalled from Triple-A Iowa - Travis Wood Optioned to Triple-A Iowa

Weather permitting ... The Chicago Cubs will try to cool down one of the hottest teams in baseball tonight behind Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija has put together two excellent outings but will face the high-powered Atlanta Braves' offense tonight ... and arguably his toughest test of the season. While the offense tries to figure out Tommy Hanson, it will be up to Samardzija to put his team in a position to win.

The Cubs have historically struggled with the Braves, except for in 2008, and were 3-4 in the seven games against Atlanta a year ago.

With James Russell (26 pitches) and Rafael Dolis (30 pitches) both completing two innings of work in Sunday's win, their status for tonight is unknown. If the Cubs have a lead late, it might be up to Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol to close it out.

The Cubs are expected to make a roster move prior to tonight's game. Adrian Cardenas is expected to receive the call with Travis Wood likely headed back to Iowa.

Tonight all starts with Jeff Samardzija ...

Despite putting together a quality start, Travis Wood was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa Monday to make room on the active roster for Adrian Cardenas.

All that and more are in today's Down on the Farm Report ...

For the first time this season when trailing by three runs, the Cubs fought back and won a ballgame ... and it was a bases loaded walk by David DeJesus in the 11th inning that forced in the winning run.

Darwin Barney (1-for-4, a double, a run scored and a walk) led off the 11th with a hustle double to left. Barney hit a high chopper off the top of Adam Kennedy's glove. The ball ended up in shallow left, Barney hustled out of the box and slid in safe at second. The Dodgers intentionally walked Welington Castillo to face Jeff Baker, who was in the on deck circle. Dale Sveum called Baker back and sent up Jeff Samardzija to bunt. Jamey Wright hit Samardzija with his first pitch to load the bases with no outs. After a meeting on the mound, Don Mattingly brought a fifth infielder in, rearranged his outfield and left Wright into face David DeJesus.

David DeJesus (1-for-3, three walks, a run scored and a RBI) looked at two straight before fouling off Wright's third pitch. DeJesus expanded his strike zone on a 3-1 pitch and swung at ball four. But Wright's 3-2 offering was low and in. DeJesus trotted to first, Barney scored from third ... Cubs Win!

The game finally got underway after a two hour and 41-minute rain delay and the Cubs played from behind all afternoon. The Cubs had plenty of opportunities to tie or take the lead but were unable to come up with the big hit until the bottom of the ninth.

Tony Campana (2-for-4, two doubles and a RBI) drove in the tying run in the ninth on his second double of the game. Ian Stewart reached on a pinch-hit single and advanced to second on David DeJesus' second walk of the game. Campana pulled a 1-0 pitch into the gap in right center. Stewart scored easily but Pat Listach sent DeJesus and a perfect rely by the Dodgers nailed DeJesus at the plate.

Travis Wood made his Cubs' debut on Sunday afternoon and after a shaky start Wood settled in and put together a quality start. Wood threw 71 pitches (44 for strikes) in the first three innings but was able to find a rhythm and threw only 29 over his last three innings of work. Wood left after six innings and throwing 100 pitches, 65 for strikes. Wood sat down the Dodgers in order in the fourth (six pitches), fifth (13 pitches) and sixth (10 pitches) innings and ended up retiring 11 in a row after serving up the two-run homer to Juan Rivera in the third inning.

Travis Wood allowed three runs on three hits with three walks and four strikeouts in six innings ... and he contributed at the plate. Wood finished 2-for-2 with a double and a run scored in his first big league game of the year.

The bullpen did a terrific job in relief of Travis Wood. Shawn Camp pitched a perfect seventh, James Russell tossed two scoreless and Rafael Dolis picked up the win after pitching two shutout innings.

Bryan LaHair (3-for-4 with a double and a walk) just keeps on hitting. LaHair reached base four times in five at bats Sunday. LaHair has now reached base safely in the last 24 games he's played in. Starlin Castro (1-for-5 with two RBI) drove in the Cubs' first two runs with a single in the third.

The Cubs offense pounded out 12 hits, walked seven times and finished the game 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position and left 12 on base.

With Sunday's victory (3-2 on Sundays in 2012), the Cubs improved to 11-17 on the season ...

Travis Wood (0-0, -.--/-.--) vs. Aaron Harang (1-2, 5.72/1.55)

Updated 3:20pm CDT - First Pitch Set for 4:00pm CDT

Updated 12:31pm CDT - The Start of Today' Game will Be Delayed - No Official Word on Start Time

Updated 10:23am CDT - Blake DeWitt Designated for Assignment - Travis Wood Added to 25-man Roster

Weather permitting ... Dale Sveum's Cubs have a chance to begin the homestand with a series win over the Dodgers ... that is if they can pull out a victory this afternoon behind Travis Wood.

After being scheduled to pitch the second game of the series Saturday, the Cubs have decided to skip Matt Garza this time through the rotation. Garza is dealing with the same flu that sidelined Scott Maine before his demotion to Iowa and has kept Jeff Baker from being available over the first two games of this series. The Cubs were hoping to have Garza start this afternoon but decided against it and announced he would pitch the opener Friday night in Milwaukee.

Travis Wood joined the team Saturday and was on the field at Wrigley prior to Saturday's game. The roster move to officially bring up Travis Wood from Triple-A Iowa is expected early Sunday morning.

In other news ... Steve Clevenger is showing improvement after suffering a displaced fracture of the cartilage in his rib cage and only slight oblique strain according to ESPN Chicago. Clevenger could return quicker than expected because recovery time for damaged cartilage is quicker than an oblique strain. Clevenger could start light swinging as early as Wednesday.

Today all starts with Travis Wood ...

Blake DeWitt has struggled this season to the tune of a .138/.133/.172/.306 line in 18 games, 29 at bats. This move comes as no surprise and likely creates a spot on the big league team for Adrian Cardenas in the near future.

On a gloomy, foggy day at Wrigley Field, Chris Capuano shutout the Cubs for seven innings and the only run the Cubs managed Saturday came in the ninth off Jamey Wright. Chris Capuano pitched Saturday against the Cubs like he did earlier in his career when he wore a Milwaukee Brewers' uniform. The Cubs had a chance in the first to put runs on the board after they loaded the bases with one out but Alfonso Soriano (0-for-4, five left on base) and Ian Stewart (2-for-4, RBI, four left on base) were both called out on strikes to end the inning.

The Cubs managed only two more hits and three other baserunners against Capuano after the first inning. Capuano struck out seven and walked two on 100 pitches, 70 for strikes, over his seven shutout innings.

Not only did Chris Capuano do his job on the mound, but he also had the big hit against Chris Volstad. Capuano doubled in two runs with two outs in the second inning that gave the Dodgers a 3-0 lead.

The Cubs only run came in the ninth. Ian Stewart singled in Starlin Castro (3-for-4 with a run scored). Starlin Castro tallied three of the Cubs' five hits on Saturday afternoon.

Chris Volstad was, well, Chris Volstad once again. Volstad had a bad inning (three runs in the second) and another not-so-good inning in the fifth in which he gave up two more runs. Volstad lasted only five innings Saturday afternoon and gave up five runs, all earned, on four hits with three walks, one intentional, and only one strikeout. Volstad threw 81 pitches, 48 for strikes.

One of the only highlights Saturday was Lendy Castillo. The Cubs' rookie right-hander made his first appearance since April 20 and pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Volstad. Castillo's velocity and command was much better than the last time he pitched in a big league game against the Reds. Castillo retired six of the seven batters he faced on 24 pitches, 17 for strikes, surrendered only one hit and notched a strikeout.

Carlos Marmol made his first appearance since losing his closer's job ... and put together a scoreless inning after issuing a leadoff walk to Andre Ethier. Marmol uncorked a wild pitch but retired the next three batters he faced. Marmol struck out James Loney swinging to end the inning and of the 22 pitches (12 strikes) he threw, 14 were fastballs.

Bryan LaHair (0-for-2 with two walks) walked twice Saturday against the southpaw Capuano. LaHair has now reached safely in the last 23 games he's played.

With Saturday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 10-17 on the season ...

Chris Volstad (0-3, 6.11/1.39) vs. Chris Capuano (3-0, 2.73/1.21)

Happy Cinco de Mayo ... Dale Sveum's team will shoot to make it two in a row over the Dodgers this afternoon behind Chris Volstad. Matt Garza was scheduled to start today's game but was pushed to Sunday. Garza was sent home Friday with flulike symptoms. Volstad is pitching on normal rest in need of a good outing today.

Chris Volstad has shown he can retire Major League hitters over multiple innings but he has yet to put together a complete start this season. The Cubs need for him to step up this afternoon and keep up with his rotation mates, who have been very good of late (Cubs are 7-5 since April 21).

Will Bryan LaHair get a start against the southpaw this afternoon with Jeff Baker spelling Ian Stewart in the starting lineup?

Today all starts with Chris Volstad ...

It was inevitable that on the day Carlos Marmol was, at least for now, relieved of his duties as the Cubs' closer that the game would go into the ninth inning with the Cubs up by a run.

Paul Maholm posted his third straight win by holding Los Angeles to one run (a solo homer by Jerry Hairston, Jr. in the third) on three hits with no walks, a HBP and four strikeouts in six innings. Maholm even took one for the team, a comebacker off the bat of Dee Gordon in the sixth that hit Maholm in the right knee. Maholm stayed in the game and ended his day by striking out Matt Kemp looking at a 3-2 pitch with a runner on second base and his team up 3-1. Maholm threw 88 pitches, 59 for strikes, and said he was okay after the game. Maholm explained that his early departure was not injury related that he was told when he entered the dugout after striking out Matt Kemp that his day was done.

The bullpen made it interesting again. James Russell (one run on two hits in 2/3 of an inning) surrendered his first run of the year in the seventh and Kerry Wood (two runs on one hit and a walk in one inning) gave up two runs in the eighth. The Cubs went to the ninth clinging to a 5-4 lead.

A shaky Rafael Dolis retired the first two batters he faced despite falling behind both hitters. Dolis then appeared to catch A.J. Ellis looking at a 1-2 pitch to end the game. Dolis did not get the call then grazed Ellis with his next offering to put the tying run on base.

Dale Sveum did not like the missed call, asked the wrong question and was thrown out of the game, his first ejection as skipper of the Chicago Cubs.

After missing with his first two pitches to Bobby Abreu, Dolis received a visit from Chris Bosio. Abreu took a strike then lined Dolis' 2-1 offering into the gap in right center. David DeJesus ran over and caught the ball to end the game.

Sveum's offense had a good day and if not for the wind knocking down a deep fly off the bat of Geovany Soto with the bases loaded to end the seventh, the last inning might have been more comfortable.

The Cubs put together and executed a good game plan against Chad Billingsley. They made him work, showed patience while running up his pitch count. Not only did the Cubs pound out 11 hits (eight against Billingsley) but they also walked six times on the afternoon. The Cubs finished 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left 10 on base.

David DeJesus (3-for-4 with a double, a triple, a walk, a RBI and a run scored), Alfonso Soriano (3-for-3 with two doubles, a walk and two RBI) and Starlin Castro (2-for-5 with a RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored) led the way Friday afternoon. DeJesus was a home run short of a cycle and Soriano reached all four times with a pair of doubles, a RBI single and a walk.

Joe Mather made his one at bat Friday count. Mather hit for Paul Maholm in the sixth and launched his second home run of the season, an opposite field shot to right center. Mather's first pinch-hit homer since July 17, 2008 and the Cubs first pinch-hit round tripper of the season gave the Cubs a 4-1 lead.

Bryan LaHair (1-for-4) extended his hitting streak to 10 games and set a franchise mark for first basemen. LaHair has reached base safely in the last 22 games he's played and his single in the seventh came off lefty Scott Elbert.

With Friday's win, the Cubs improved to 10-16 on the season ...

Paul Maholm (2-2, 6.20/1.33) vs. Chad Billingsley (2-1, 2.64/0.95)

Updated 10:45am CDT - Carlos Marmol Out as Cubs Closer - Rafael Dolis and James Russell to Split Closer Duties Based on Matchups

Weather permitting ... Dale Sveum's team opens a six-game homestand today with the first of three against Matt Kemp and the first place Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs showed a lot of improvement during their six-game trip and it will be interesting to see how they play today after Thursday's debacle.

The Cubs split the six games against the Dodgers last season (3-3) but they will face a much-different Dodgers team over the next three days. Matt Kemp had an unbelievable start to the season (.411/.500/.856/1.356 with four doubles and 12 home runs in 25 games). Teams should stop pitching to him soon ... will the Cubs be the first ones to pitch around Kemp for an entire series?

Speaking of hot hitters, Bryan LaHair should start the next three games. Don Mattingly announced Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang will follow Chad Billingsley this weekend. Dale Sveum should leave LaHair in the lineup against the Capuano on Saturday and let Jeff Baker fill in for Ian Stewart. The Cubs need to find out if LaHair can be an everyday option and not base their decision to sit LaHair against lefties on a small sample size.

Matt Garza will face Capuano (Saturday) and and Chris Volstad takes on Harang (Sunday) with Jeff Samardzija pitching the opener of the Braves series on Monday night.

If the Cubs have a lead in the ninth today ... will it be Rafael Dolis? Will it be James Russell? Or will Dale Sveum play matchups?

Today all starts with Paul Maholm ...

Sveum said that he considered removing Marmol from Thursday's game in Cincinnati after the first two walks. Sveum told Kaplan he was still the closer at that point but after the third one, that was it.

According to reports, Rafael Dolis and James Russell will be used to close games based on matchups.

Sound like your Thursday afternoon? Yea, I can't quit them either, and since that is the case, let's get to some ramblings ...

There are no two ways about it. Regardless of what the expectations may or may not be for the 2012 Chicago Cubs, Thursday's loss hurt.

On his 35th birthday and on his first start back from the disabled list, Ryan Dempster shutdown the Reds' lineup for eight innings and the Cubs took a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth. Starlin Castro (1-for-5 with a home run), Bryan LaHair (2-for-4 with a home run and a walk) and Geovany Soto (1-for-4 with a home run) each hit solo home runs and gave Ryan Dempster all the support he needed ... but that all changed nine pitches into the bottom of the ninth.

Carlos Marmol could not find the strike zone (18 pitches, six for strikes) and issued back-to-back walks to Willie Harris and Joey Votto on nine pitches to start the ninth. After a visit from Chris Bosio, Marmol induced a grounder toward third off the bat of Brandon Phillips. Ian Stewart tried to make a play before he had the ball and misplayed the routine grounder into an error. The Reds put a run on the board and the writing was on the wall. Jay Bruce ripped Marmol's first pitch into right to load the bases with no outs.

Dale Sveum left Marmol into face Ryan Ludwick. Marmol walked him and forced in the Reds' second run. Sveum finally pulled Marmol and brought in Rafael Dolis with the bases loaded, no outs and the Cubs up 3-2.

Devin Mesoraco hit a 1-1 pitch toward short. Starlin Castro started the 6-4-3 double play but Phillips scored and tied the game at three. With Bruce at third, Dolis struck out Wilson Valdez swinging to end the inning.

The damage was done, Rafael Dolis was hung with a blown save and the Reds would end up winning the game the next inning. Zack Cozart led off the tenth with a single. Chris Heisey tried to bunt him to second. Dolis fielded the ball, threw it away. Cozart ended up at third and scored the winning run on a sac fly by Scott Rolen.

The game was decided in the bottom of the ninth and Carlos Marmol's days as the Cubs' closer appear to be over.

Short of pitching the ninth in his first start back from the DL, Ryan Dempster did everything he could and he more than put his team in position to win the game. Dempster threw 101 pitches, 67 for strikes, over eight shutout innings. The Reds managed only three hits and a walk while Dempster struck out six. Dempster recorded a lot of quick outs and kept the leadoff hitter off base in each of his eight innings.

Dale Sveum's offense did just enough against Homer Bailey but it should have been more. Solo home runs by Castro, LaHair and Soto accounted for all three runs Thursday afternoon. Bryan LaHair reached base safely for the 21st game in a row and tied Derrek Lee (2009) for the franchise all-time mark for first basemen.

Geovany Soto hit his second homer of the season and is starting to show signs of life at the plate. While Soto's longball was good to see, Soto hit into a double play that ended the second and struck out looking with the bases loaded and one out in the sixth. Soto left four runners on base Thursday.

For the day the Cubs outhit the Reds 10-5 and were 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base in a one-run loss.

While the offense could have put the game away, Thursday's loss should be hung on Carlos Marmol ... gotta throw strikes and make 'em earn it. Carlos Marmol did not again.

With Thursday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 9-16 on the season ...

Ryan Dempster (0-1, 1.33/0.93) vs. Homer Bailey (1-2, 3.60/1.36)

Updated - 9:02am CDT - Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood Activated from 15-day DL - Randy Wells and Scott Maine Optioned to Triple-A Iowa

The Cubs and Reds conclude their two-game series with an early start time on Ryan Dempster's 35th birthday. Dempster will be activated from the DL to make his first start since April 17. Ryan Dempster was off to a good start before a strained right quad landed him on the disabled list.

With Tuesday's rainout and Wednesday's win behind Jeff Samardzija, the Cubs are guaranteed at least a .500 trip through Philadelphia and Cincinnati ... but a victory this afternoon would be a good way to top off a solid road trip. The Cubs have played better ball of late and are 6-4 in their last ten games.

Paul Maholm was scheduled to pitch today's finale against but he has been pushed to Friday's opener at Wrigley against the Dodgers.

Along with Ryan Dempster, the Cubs are expected to activate Kerry Wood from the DL prior to today's game. Wood has been on the disabled list April 14 with right shoulder fatigue. The Cubs will have to create two spot on the 25-man roster for Dempster and Wood. Randy Wells and Scott Maine could be on their way back to Iowa to make room for the two vets.

In other news, Dave McKay confirmed he will be part of Tony LaRussa's coaching staff for the NL All-Star team ... but there was one condition. McKay said he would not wear red that he will wear his Cubs' uniform.

In a battle of the birthday boys, today all starts with Ryan Dempster ...

The Cubs named their Minor League Player and Pitcher for April on Wednesday afternoon. To no surprise, Anthony Rizzo took home the player of the month honors after hitting .374 with a .424 OBP and a .637 SLG (OPS of 1.061) with three doubles, seven home runs and 24 RBI in 23 games. Frank Batista was named the Cubs minor league pitcher of the month after posting five saves in eight appearances with the Smokies and I-Cubs.

With the results to begin a new month, here is today's Down on the Farm Report ...

Dale Sveum's team put together their best performance of the season Wednesday night in Cincinnati. Jeff Samardzija pitched a gem, home runs by Bryan LaHair and Ian Stewart ended up being the difference and the Cubs defense made several highlight reel plays ... and the routine ones too.

Jeff Samardzija picked up where he left off against the Cardinals eight days ago. Samardzija was very efficient over his 7 2/3 innings (49 pitches after five innings) and dominated the Reds from his first pitch of the game. Samardzija recorded a lot of quick outs and kept Cincinnati's offense guessing all night. Samardzija allowed one run on three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts on just 94 pitches, 60 for strikes.

Jeff Samardzija was still throwing in the mid-90s when he was lifted with two outs in the eighth.

Rafael Dolis finished the eighth by striking out the only batter he faced.

Carlos Marmol put together one of his best outings of the season. Marmol retired Drew Stubbs, Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips in order to end the game. Marmol struck out Stubbs and Phillips and threw 15 pitches, 10 for strikes, to earn his second save of the season.

The team that entered play last in the majors with homers (9) hit two dingers Wednesday night that ended up being the difference in the game. Bryan LaHair (1-for-4 with a home run) gave the Cubs an early lead with his sixth longball of the season in the second. LaHair has reached base safely in his last 20 games, one short of the franchise record for first basemen (Derrek Lee, 21 in 2009).

Ian Stewart (1-for-4 with a home run) hit his second homer of the season in the fourth and gave the Cubs a 2-0 lead. Geovany Soto (2-for-3 with a RBI and walk) had a good night at the plate. Soto drove in Alfonso Soriano (2-for-4 with a run scored) with a single in the sixth. Soto's second RBI of the year gave the Cubs a much-needed insurance run. Starlin Castro was 2-for-4 with a double.

The Cubs defense was more than solid. Plays by Ian Stewart, Alfonso Soriano, Blake DeWitt, Starlin Castro and David DeJesus helped keep the Reds off the bases and Samardzija rolling. The Cubs have been charged with two errors in their last eight games.

With Wednesday's win, the Cubs improved to 9-15 on the season (3-2 on the current five-game trip) ...

Jeff Samardzija (2-1, 4.13/1.42) vs. Bronson Arroyo (1-0, 2.70/1.09)

Weather permitting ... The Cubs and Reds look to open their now two-game series with the same scheduled pitching match-up as the opener. Jeff Samardzija will face Bronson Arroyo tonight with Ryan Dempster taking on Homer Bailey in the finale on Thursday afternoon. Paul Maholm has been moved to the opener against Matt Kemp and the Dodgers on Friday afternoon at Wrigley.

Not only did Jeff Samardzija get an extra day off when the Cubs pushed him back a day from the final game in Philly, but with Tuesday's postponement Samardzija received two full days.

With Bronson Arroyo on the hill, Dale Sveum should run out the same starting lineup as he had Tuesday before the rain washed out the opener. Sveum loaded his starting nine with as many lefties as he could ... David DeJesus (RF), Tony Campana (CF), Starlin Castro (SS), Bryan LaHair (1B), Alfonso Soriano (LF), Ian Stewart (3B), Blake DeWitt (2B), Geovany Soto (C) and Jeff Samardzija (P).

Randy Wells threw his bullpen Monday in Philly and will be available to pitch out of the bullpen tonight.

The second month of the baseball season begins today for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs were just 8-15 in April but have played better ball of late. After a 1-5 stretch, the Cubs won four of seven to close out the month.

Tonight it all begins with Jeff Samardzija ...

The Cubs have a few decisions to make in the next 24-36 hours. Ryan Dempster is scheduled to return from the DL for the finale in Cincinnati and Kerry Wood will likely be activated prior to Thursday's game which could mean Scott Maine and/or Randy Wells will be sent back to Iowa.

And, could Bryan LaHair and Anthony Rizzo be in the Cubs' lineup together in the near future?

Here's an update ...

Jeff Samardzija (2-1, 4.13/1.42) vs. Bronson Arroyo (1-0, 2.70/1.09)

Updated - 8:12pm CDT - Tuesday night's game between the Cubs and Reds has been Postponed - No Make-Up Date has been announced.

Updated - 5:45pm CDT - The start of tonight's Cubs-Reds game will be delayed due to rain in the area. The Cubs and Reds are hoping for a first pitch around 7:00pm CDT

Weather permitting ... The second month of the baseball season begins tonight for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs were just 8-15 in April but have played better ball of late. After a 1-5 stretch, the Cubs won four of seven to close out the month.

The Cubs make their first trip to Cincinnati for the first of three against Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and company. The Reds took two of three at Wrigley a couple of weeks back and Dale Sveum's team will look to return the favor at the Reds' home park.

Jeff Samardzija makes his return to the hill after receiving an extra day of rest. Samardzija was very sharp in his last outing and will make his first career start against the Reds.

Following tonight's matchup of Jeff Samardzija and Bronson Arroyo, Paul Maholm will square off against Homer Bailey in game two with Ryan Dempster returning from the DL on Thursday to face Mike Leake. Randy Wells will be available out of the pen for the next two games as the Cubs ponder two roster moves prior to Thursday's finale. Along with Ryan Dempster, Kerry Wood is expected to be activated prior to the last game of the road trip.

Tonight all starts with Jeff Samardzija ...

To the Cubs credit they never quit Monday night after Chris Volstad put his team in a big hole. Volstad allowed four runs in a single inning again, on Monday night it happened in the first inning. Volstad settled down after the 30-pitch first inning, pitched five scoreless and kept the Phillies from tacking on to their lead.

The Cubs put a run on the board in the seventh then tied it in the eighth on a RBI single by Starlin Castro (2-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored) and a two-run homer off the bat of Bryan LaHair (2-for-4 with a home run, a double and two RBI). But the bullpen could not keep the Phillies from scoring in the bottom of the eighth.

Scott Maine hit pinch-hitter Juan Pierre on the first pitch of the at bat. Jimmy Rollins lined a two-out single over Darwin Barney into right center. With runners on first and third with two down, Placido Polanco pulled a 2-0 pitch from Rafael Dolis past Alfonso Soriano in left. Pierre and Rollins scored and the Cubs could not mount another comeback in the ninth against Jonathan Papelbon.

The Cubs still have not won a series at Citizens Bank Park. In nine attempts, the Cubs are 0-7-2 and have not won a series in Philadelphia since 2001.

The big inning hurt Chris Volstad once again. Volstad allowed four runs on five hits and a walk in the first. Volstad was taken off the hook in the eighth but he must figure out how to avoid the big inning. Volstad allowed four runs on eight hits with three walks, a balk and four strikeouts in six innings. Volstad threw 84 pitches, 57 for strikes.

Shawn Camp put together another good outing and Scott Maine helped Camp close out the seventh. But Maine could not get the job done in the eighth and he was hung with the loss. Rafael Dolis gave up the winning hit, a two-out, two run double to Placido Polanco.

The Cubs offense struggled for the most part Monday night. Sveum's team wasted chances in the fourth, fifth and seventh before tying the game in the eighth. The Cubs managed eight hits with four walks and finished the game 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left seven on base.

The Cubs had runners on second and third in the fourth and fifth innings and came away with nothing. In the seventh, the offense loaded the bases with no outs and managed only one run after Geovany Soto grounded into a 5-3 double play. Alfonso Soriano (1-for-4 with a double) scored the Cubs' run in the seventh but left two more on base Monday night. Geovany Soto (0-for-3 with a walk and four left on base) continued his struggles Monday night and looks just lost at the plate.

With Monday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 8-15 on the season ...

Chris Volstad (0-3, 6.14/1.27) vs. Vance Worley (2-1, 2.16/1.24)

If Dale Sveum's team can figure out a way to post a victory tonight, the Cubs will do something they have never done ... win a series at Citizens Bank Park. The Cubs are 0-7-1 in series at the Phillies' park since it opened in 2004.

Jeff Samardzija was scheduled to start tonight's finale but was pushed back a day and will open the three-game series in Cincinnati tomorrow night. Samardzija is not hurt. The Cubs are monitoring his innings and will give him breaks from time to time in order to ensure he is not overworked in his first season as a big league starter. Chris Volstad will get the ball instead pitching on regular rest.

Geovany Soto is expected back in the starting lineup after missing the past two games with tightness in his back. With Steve Clevenger on the DL and Welington Castillo on the active roster, the Cubs' catching depth is a little banged up. Clevenger is expected to miss at least a month and Soto's days as the Cubs' starting catcher could be coming to an end. Soto is not hitting and the other two catchers on the 40-man roster are pushing for playing time.

With two roster moves expected prior to Thursday's game, Randy Wells will be available out of the pen for the first two games of the Reds' series (Tuesday and Wednesday).

Tonight all starts with Chris Volstad ...

Peoria has emerging performers in PJ Francescon, Andrew McKirahan, Pin-Chieh Chen, Wes Darvill, and Paul Hoilman, but still can't find a recipe for winning games. The bats of Matt Szczur, Ronald Torreyes, and Elieser Bonne are starting to come around in Daytona. Like Peoria, the D-Cubs have not been able to translate that to wins. Tennessee ran their losing streak to five games, while Iowa's hitting continues to be "Jekyll and Hyde".

To see where this all leads, check inside today's Down on the Farm Report ...

Matt Garza was as good as it gets on Sunday afternoon. Garza dominated the Phillies and allowed just one tainted hit over seven shutout innings. Garza recorded the tenth 10-strikeout performance of his career and faced only one over the minimum. Jimmy Rollins notched the Phillies only hit off Garza and it was a bloop to right in the bottom of the first that Jeff Baker initially broke back on.

Matt Garza retired 18 in a row and 20 of the last 21 he faced. He struck out the side in the third and six of the first 10 batters he faced. Garza recorded the 800th strikeout of his career when he caught Kyle Kendrick looking to end the third. Garza's final line: no runs, one hit, one walk, 10 strikeouts on 103 pitches, 68 for strikes, in seven innings.

Rafael Dolis pitched a perfect eighth and kept the shutout in place but Carlos Marmol was horrible in the ninth. Marmol walked three, did not strikeout a batter and surrendered the Phillies' second hit of the game, an infield single by Hunter Pence. Marmol walked Ty Wigginton and forced in pinch-hitter Pete Orr for Philly's lone run.

The Cubs manufactured three of their five runs Sunday afternoon. Tony Campana was in the middle of the action again. Campana was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two runs scored. Campana's speed left to the Cubs' second run in the third and their fourth run in the eighth. Starlin Castro (0-for-3 with two RBI) went hitless but drove in Campana twice with a sac fly and a fielder's choice.

Bryan LaHair continues to hit and finished the day 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored. Joe Mather (1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and a stolen base) had a good day filling in for the light-hitting Alfonso Soriano. Mather hit his first homer as a Cub in the fourth that accounted for the Cubs' third run. Mather notched the first longball hit by a Cubs' outfielder with his solo shot in the fourth inning Sunday.

Ian Stewart (0-for-4 with a RBI) was credited with the game winning RBI Sunday. Stewart hit into a 4-3 fielder's choice in the second that plated LaHair with the Cubs' first run. Stewart hit the ball hard all afternoon again but came away with another 0-for effort.

Welington Castillo went hitless for the second game since being recalled from Iowa prior to Saturday's game but he made a game-changing play in the first inning. Castillo threw out Juan Pierre trying to advance to second on a ball in the dirt. Instead of runner on second with one out and Hunter Pence at the plate, Castillo threw out Pierre, Garza struck out Pence and Garza went onto retire the next 17 batters he faced.

With Sunday's victory, the Cubs evened their Sunday record (2-2) and improved to 8-14 on the season ...

Matt Garza (1-1, 3.38/1.05) vs. Kyle Kendrick (0-1, 9.39/2.48)

The Cubs will try to get back in the win column this afternoon behind Matt Garza. The Cubs struggles at Citizens Bank continued Saturday night but a win today would give them a shot to post their first series win at the park that opened back in 2004 (0-7-1 in series at Citizens Bank).

With the short outing from Randy Wells, Dale Sveum will need a long, efficient outing from Matt Garza this afternoon. Michael Bowden helped save the pen but another short outing from a starter would put more strain on a questionable at best bullpen. Lendy Castillo might have to take one for the team if Garza's road woes continue.

Welington Castillo will make his second straight start this afternoon. Geovany Soto will be available but is not expected to return to the starting lineup before Monday's finale.

Today all starts with Matt Garza ...

Randy Wells likely punched his ticket back to Iowa with another bad performance Saturday night. Ryan Dempster is expected to return from the DL to make Thursday's start in Cincinnati and reportedly Wells was pitching to stay in the big leagues ... and he made the front office's decision very easy.

Randy Wells did not give up a hit in the first three innings and other than a walk and hitting Joe Blanton, he was rather sharp. Wells pounded the strike zone and appeared to be taking advantage of his opportunity ... that all changed in the fourth.

Hunter Pence doubled to start the fourth. Thirty pitches, nine batters, three hits and three walks later, including a four-pitch walk to Joe Blanton, Randy Wells' night was done. Wells could not get through the fourth inning. Wells allowed four runs on three hits with four walks, three strikeouts and a hit batsman in 3 2/3 innings. Wells threw 78 pitches, 44 for strikes ... after three, Wells' pitch count stood at 48, 32 for strikes. That's how bad Wells was in the fourth inning.

In two starts subbing for the injured Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells allowed six runs, all earned, on nine hits with nine walks, five strikeouts and a hit batsman in 8 2/3 innings.

Michael Bowden made his second appearance in a Cubs' uniform. Other than serving up a solo shot to Carlos Ruiz in the sixth, his third inning of work, Bowden put together a good outing. Bowden allowed one run on two hits with three strikeouts and most importantly no walks in 2 1/3 innings. Bowden threw 33 pitches, 19 for strikes.

Both Shawn Camp and Scott Maine turned in a scoreless inning of relief Saturday night. Maine sat down the Phillies in order in the eighth.

The Cubs offense was a no show Saturday night. After jumping out to an early 1-0 lead in the first on a two-out single and stolen base by Starlin Castro (1-for-4 with a RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases) and a two-out RBI double by Bryan LaHair (1-for-4 with a double and a RBI), the Cubs managed just one other run the rest of the night. Tony Campana scored on a fielder's choice by Castro in the top of the eighth. Dale Sveum's offense managed just six other hits, eight for the night ... and not a single walk. The Cubs made too many routine outs and did not square up many of Joe Blanton's offerings.

With Saturday loss, the Cubs dropped to 7-14 on the season ...

Randy Wells (0-0, 3.60/2.20) vs. Joe Blanton (1-3, 4.34/1.39)

Updated 3:21pm CDT - Steve Clevenger Placed on 15-day DL with Right Oblique Strain - Welington Castillo Recalled from Triple-A Iowa

Updated 3:33pm CDT - Geovany Soto scratched from lineup with upper back tightness; Welington Castillo starting at catcher and batting eighth.

Can the Cubs make it two wins in a row tonight behind Randy Wells? If the Cubs are able to take care of business, Dale Sveum's team would be 4-1 in their last five.

Randy Wells could be making his last big league start for a while tonight. Ryan Dempster is expected back from the DL prior to Thursday's finale against the Reds. Wells needs a good outing tonight in order to possibly avoid a trip back to Iowa. The Cubs need a long reliever in the pen ... and Wells or Chris Volstad could fill that role.

The Cubs also announced Friday a slight change to the rotation. Chris Volstad will start Monday's finale against the Vance Worley and Phillies. Jeff Samardzija is not injured or sick, the Cubs are trying to make sure they do not overwork him this season. Samardzija will start Tuesday's opener in Cinicinnati.

Kerry Wood could return Thursday as well. Wood threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday and if all goes well he should return by the end of the road trip.

Steve Clevenger is expected to be placed on the DL prior to tonight's game. Welington Castillo will be recalled to take his spot on the active roster.

Tonight all starts with Randy Wells ...

According to a report from the Tribune, Steve Clevenger felt "some tightness in his side" during Friday's batting practice at Citizens Bank. Clevenger's injury is not thought to be serious but the Cubs do not want to take a chance.

Paul Maholm outpitched Roy Halladay on Friday night and the Cubs began their difficult seven-game road trip on a positive note.

Paul Maholm picked up his second straight win after allowing one run on five hits without a walk and one strikeout in 6 1/3 innings. Maholm threw 100 pitches, 63 for strikes. After pitching his way out of a jam in the first, Maholm made only one mistake Friday night. Ty Wigginton's solo homer in the seventh was the only blemish for Paul Maholm.

James Russell took over for Maholm in the seventh and recorded the final two outs. Rafael Dolis pitched two scoreless innings (one hit, no walks and no strikeouts) and earned his first big league save.

The offense did its job Friday night after appearing early on they would struggle to get hits much less runs. Roy Halladay sat down the first ten batters he faced. Halladay struck out the side in order in the second and Darwin Barney had the only hard hit ball the first time through the lineup.

Tony Campana (2-for-5 with two runs and a stolen base) notched the Cubs first hit, a bunt single to Ty Wigginton with one out in the fourth. Campana slid head first into the bag to avoid Wigginton's tag. Campana swiped second on the first pitch to Starlin Castro (2-for-4 with a double, a RBI and a stolen base). Campana then scored on Castro's bloop single to right.

Alfonso Soriano (1-for-4 with a RBI) drove in Campana with the Cubs' second run in the sixth. Ian Stewart (1-for-4 with a double and a RBI) doubled in Bryan LaHair (1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored) in the sixth after he walked with one out.

The Cubs final two runs were scored in the ninth after Geovany Soto (0-for-2 with a run scored and two walks) worked a two-out walk. Reed Johnson (1-for-1 with a triple, a RBI and a run scored) tripled in Soto then Johnson scored on a single off the bat of David DeJesus (1-for-5 with a RBI).

The Cubs managed only nine hits Friday night but they made them count. The Cubs were 4-for-8 with RISP and left six on base.

With Friday's victory, the Cubs improved to 7-13 on the season ...

Paul Maholm (1-2, 8.36/1.57) vs. Roy Halladay (3-1, 1.50/0.90)

The Cubs begin a difficult seven-game road trip with the first of four tonight in Philadelphia. The trip concludes Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati then the Cubs head home to begin a six game homestand against the Dodgers and Braves.

Tonight is the first of a four game wrap around series against the Phillies, the series finale is Monday night. The Cubs have not played well in Philadelphia over the years and were just 2-5 versus Philly last season.

The Cubs will face a much different Phillies team than in recent years. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Cliff Lee are on the DL and the Cubs will miss Cole Hamels over the next four games ... which is good news for Bryan LaHair. Following tonight's matchup of Paul Maholm and Roy Halladay, Randy Wells will square off against Joe Blanton on Saturday night. The only day game will feature Matt Garza and Kyle Kendrick on Sunday. The series wraps Monday night with Jeff Samardzija facing Vance Worley.

Dale Sveum's team is 5-8 against the Central this season ... just 1-5 versus the NL East.

Tonight all starts with Paul Maholm ...

It's Friday, let's have some fun and go rambling ...

Peoria's Oliver Zapata had his hitting streak stopped at eight, but Peoria received great pitching performances from PJ Francescon and Kyler Burke. Daytona continued to scuffle, but pooled their resources on Sunday for a win. Tennessee keeps on battling, and had an unlikely source come through on Monday. Iowa started out well, as Chris Rusin may have had the organization's best start of the season.

To see how it all unfolded, look inside today's Down on the Farm Report.

After posting back-to-back walk off victories against the Cardinals and in the process winning their first series of the year, the Cubs had a chance to complete the three-game sweep of St. Louis ... but the offense could not buy a hit with runners in scoring position against Lance Lynn.

The Cubs had opportunities early against Lance Lynn before he and Kyle McClellan just shut them down. The Cubs managed six hits Wednesday and finished 0-for-5 with RISP and left five on base. But that was all in the first five innings. Lance Lynn retired the last 11 batters he faced and McClellan sat down the Cubs in order in the ninth. Cardinals' pitching retired the last 14 batters they faced to end the game.

Bryan LaHair (1-for-4 with a home run) provided the Cubs' lone highlight. LaHair's second longball in as many days tied the game at one in the fourth. Three of LaHair's four home runs have come off Cardinals pitching ... and three of his four dingers have either tied the game or given the Cubs the lead.

Chris Volstad (four runs on six hits with no walks and two strikeouts in six innings, 97 pitches, 66 strikes) put together his best five innings in a Cubs' uniform, unfortunately Volstad completed six innings of work Wednesday afternoon. Volstad was rolling right along. He allowed one run over five innings and was going pitch for pitch with Lance Lynn. After the offense failed to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth (first and third with one out), Volstad started elevating his sinker in the sixth ... and the Cardinals' offense took advantage.

Carlos Beltran broke the 1-1 tie with a two-out double in the sixth that plated Rafael Furcal with the go ahead run. David Freese then took Volstad downtown. Freese's two-run shot off Volstad put the game out of reach. Freese added a RBI double off Shawn Camp (one run on one hit with a walk and a strikeout in one inning) in the eighth that accounted for the Cardinals' fifth and final run.

Scott Maine (no runs, one hit, two strikeouts and no walks in one inning) pitched a scoreless seventh and Carlos Marmol (no runs, one hit, no walks and no strikeouts) pitched the ninth.

Dale Sveum's team finished the six-game homestand with a 3-3 record (1-2 vs. Reds; 2-1 vs. Cardinals) and have split the first six games of the year with St. Louis.

With Wednesday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 6-13 on the season ...

Chris Volstad (0-2, 6.19/1.37) vs. Lance Lynn (3-0, 1.42/0.74)

Updated 12:59pm CDT - Today's Cubs-Cardinals game will not start on time. Cubs are thinking it will be a short delay.

Updated 1:20pm CDT - First pitch is scheduled for 1:35pm CDT

Weather permitting ... The Cubs six-game homestand comes to an end this afternoon with the finale against the Cardinals. Dale Sveum's team is 3-2 in the last five games and not only would a win today complete the sweep against the Cardinals but it would be a good way to spend an off day before beginning a difficult seven-game road trip.

This afternoon is a rematch of the game on April 14 in which the Cardinals took the middle game of the series 5-1. Lance Lynn held the Cubs to one run on four hits over 5 1/3 innings and it was a pair of Starlin Castro errors that opened the door to the Redbirds' four-run fourth inning.

Today all starts with Chris Volstad ...

The team known as the White Stockings beat the Louisville Grays 4-0. Albert Spalding led his White Stockings over the Grays and not only did Spalding win the first game in franchise history he also threw the first shutout in National League history.

For the second time in as many days, the Cubs beat the Cardinals in their last at bat. After Carlos Marmol failed to nail down the win for Jeff Samardzija, Bryan LaHair (2-for-4 with a home run and a walk) tied the game in the ninth with the Cubs first home run since his grand slam off Adam Wainwright on April 13. Bryan LaHair hit an opposite field homer off lefty Marc Rzepczynski ... LaHair's first hit of the season off a southpaw tied the game at two.

After a perfect tenth from James Russell, Tony Campana (2-for-4, a run scored, two stolen bases and a sac bunt) reached on a one-out single in the bottom of the inning and took off for second on a 1-0 pitch to Starlin Castro (0-for-4 with a sac fly RBI). Campana was called safe but replays showed otherwise and the Cubs took advantage of the gift. With the go ahead run at second and two down, LaHair was walked intentionally.

Alfonso Soriano (3-for-5 with a RBI and a double) smoked a 3-2 pitch towards second that ate up Tyler Greene. The ball ended up in center and Campana scored the winning run.

What will be lost in the Cubs' second walk-off win in as many nights is the tremendous outing Jeff Samardzija turned in Tuesday night.

Jeff Samardzija more than bounced back from his bad outing in Miami and put together a performance similar to his first one of the season. Samardzija tossed 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball (90 pitches, 63 for strikes), allowed just four hits, struck out a career-high nine batters and issued two walks. Samardzija threw first pitch strikes to 18 of the 25 batters he faced (eight of the first 10).

Carlos Marmol did not do his job and he blew his second save of the year (1-for-3 in save opportunities) after taking over for Rafael Dolis with two outs in the eighth.

The Cubs took a precarious 1-0 lead into the eighth. Rafael Dolis struggled with his command and fell behind all three batters he faced. Dolis retired two of the three batters he faced but in between he issued a one out walk to Rafael Furcal. Dale Sveum tried to use Carlos Marmol for a four-out save, the Cubs' first save opportunity since April 8, and Matt Holliday turned the game around on one swing. Holliday hit his fourth homer of the season, a two-run shot, into the first row of the bleachers in left center and gave the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.

Michael Bowden made his Cubs' debut and survived a shaky ninth without allowing a run. James Russell pitched a perfect 10th and was rewarded with his first victory of the season.

The Cubs offense pounded out 10 hits but failed to take advantage of several scoring opportunities early on. The Cubs were 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base.

The Cubs won their first series of the season and handed the Cardinals their first series loss of the year.

With Tuesday's victory, the Cubs improved to 6-12 on the season ...

Jeff Samardzija (2-1, 5.71/1.62) vs. Adam Wainwright (0-3, 9.88/1.61)

The Cubs stole game one of the series with an impressive ninth inning, can Dale Sveum's team make it two in a row tonight behind Jeff Samardzija?

This is a rematch of the first game of the year between the Cubs and Cardinals. Sveum's team got the best of Adam Wainwright following a long rain delay and the first of two on field celebrations. After a decent start Jeff Samardzija also had a bad game that Friday afternoon and both of tonight's starters are in need of a good outing.

Bryan LaHair will be back in the lineup tonight, but what about Steve Clevenger? Samardzija gave Clevenger a lot of credit for his first outing and Samardzija has been really bad over his last 4 2/3 innings.

The last time the Cubs hit a home run was April 13 off Adam Wainwright ... the nine game drought is the longest since the Cubs went homerless for 10 games in 2007 (June 30 - July 13).

Tonight all starts with Jeff Samardzija ...

What a finish Monday night for a team that needed something positive to happen.

Jaime Garcia stymied the Cubs offense for 7 2/3 innings and Dale Sveum's team went to the bottom of the ninth trailing 2-1. Jason Motte took the mound and made quick work of Alfonso Soriano. Soriano could not catch up to a fastball and struck out swinging for the first out.

Bryan LaHair hit for Jeff Baker and put together a game changing at bat. LaHair worked the count to 3-2 then fouled off six straight fastballs in the mid to upper 90s. LaHair ended up walking on the 12th pitch of the bat. Geovany Soto walked on four pitches and the Cubs had the tying run on second base. Steve Clevenger hit for Rafael Dolis and grounded out to first. Clevenger's productive out put the tying and winning run in scoring position.

Joe Mather (2-for-3 with two RBI and a walk) fell behind 1-2 before taking a pitch. Mather hit Motte's next pitch into center. LaHair scored easily ... and Soto slid in safe with the winning run.

Rafael Dolis was rewarded with his first big league win after pitching 1 2/3 innings of scoreless ball.

Matt Garza did everything he could to put a win on the board but he received no support from his offense. Garza struggled with his command early on before settling down and tossing seven solid innings Monday night. Garza gave up two runs on four hits with three walks, a hit batsman and five strikeouts. Garza threw 108 pitches, 65 for strikes.

Garza actually helped himself at the plate. Not only did he notch his first sacrifice bunt of the season but he also recorded the first hit by a Cubs' pitcher ... a single to right in the fifth. The Cubs could not score another run while Garza was on the hill and he turned the game over to the pen in the eighth.

James Russell had a rough outing and retired only one of the three batters he faced. Russell issued back-to-back one-out walks to Shane Robinson and Matt Holliday before Sveum brought in Rafael Dolis. Starlin Castro made a leaping catch of a soft liner off the bat of Carlos Beltran and turned it into an inning ending double play. Dolis faced the minimum in the ninth after the Cubs turned their second double play in as many innings.

Darwin Barney (2-for-3 with a run scored and a walk), Starlin Castro (1-for-4) and Tony Campana (1-for-1 with two stolen bases) provided the only highlights prior to the ninth and Barney scored the Cubs run in the first on a sac fly by Alfonso Soriano (0-for-3 with a sac fly RBI).

Starlin Castro extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a first inning infield single. Castro has reached safely in 56 of the last 57 games he's played.

With Monday's win, the Cubs improved to 5-12 on the season ...

Matt Garza (1-1, 3.66/1.07) vs. Jaime Garcia (2-0, 3.06/1.64)

Updated 4:04pm CDT - Rodrigo Lopez DFA'd - Michael Bowden added to 25-man Roster

The Cubs designated Rodrigo Lopez for assignment Monday to make room on the active roster for RHP Michael Bowden. Bowden is at Wrigley Field and was assigned No. 43.

The Cubs will try to put one in the win column tonight behind Matt Garza. The Cubs are expected to have a new arm in the pen tonight with the addition of the recently acquired Michael Bowden. The addition of Bowden will require the Cubs to make another move to clear a spot on the active roster and it could be Scott Maine or Lendy Castillo that lose their spot on the roster. Bowden took Marlon Byrd's spot on the 40-man roster.

With Jaime Garcia on the mound tonight, Dale Sveum will go with the likes of Reed Johnson, Jeff Baker and Joe Mather. It will be interesting to see if Bryan LaHair is in the starting nine. The Cubs have not exposed him to lefties this season but have allowed Ian Stewart (.250/.250/.333/.583) to hit against southpaws.

The Cubs will once again miss Lance Berkman. The Cardinals placed Berkman on the disabled list on April 19 with a strained left calf. But during the series in St. Louis it was Berkman's replacement, Matt Carpenter, who did a majority of the damage throughout the series. Hopefully the Cubs will pitch Carpenter differently now that they have a book on him.

The Cubs are 1-2 in the first three against the NL Central leading Cardinals this season ... and it's time for Dale Sveum's team to put together a stretch of showing improvement on the field, instead of the recent run of regression.

Tonight all starts with Matt Garza ...

Lopez signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in the off-season that included a non-roster invite to big league camp. Lopez was added to the 40-man roster and activated prior to the second game of the season against the Nationals.

However, there are always silver linings. Peoria's Oliver Zapata has extended his hitting streak to seven, and the offenses of both the Chiefs and Daytona seem to be perking up. Tennessee is now second in the Southern League in pitching and third in fielding. Anthony Rizzo is in the top ten in the Pacific Coast League in batting and RBI, and leads the league with seven home runs.

For more of the somewhat unpleasant details, have a look at today's Down on the Farm Report ...

Sunday's series finale between the Cubs and Reds had no rhythm at all and was a poorly played game by both teams. The Cubs and Reds were a combined 3-for-23 with runners in scoring position, left 25 runners on base, walked 13 batters, hit two batters and committed five errors.

The Reds took the lead in the sixth inning when they scored two runs without a hit. With the game tied at two, Rodrigo Lopez issued a leadoff walk to Ryan Hanigan. After back-to-back throwing errors by Geovany Soto on attempted sacrifice bunt attempts by Johnny Cueto and Zack Cozart loaded the bases, Drew Stubbs hit into a fielder's choice that broke the tie. Scott Maine then hit a batter and walked another to force in the Reds' second run of the inning.

The Cubs once again left a win on base. The offense managed just six hits but walked five times and Starlin Castro was hit by a pitch. Alfonso Soriano (0-for-4 with a strikeout and seven left on base) had another horrible day at the plate and failed to do his job twice Sunday with the bases loaded. The Cubs were a miserable 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left 12 on base. Bryan LaHair (1-for-2 with a RBI and a walk) notched the Cubs only hit that plated a run.

Starlin Castro (2-for-4 with a triple, HBP and two runs scored) scored two of the Cubs' three runs while extending his hitting streak to 10 games. Castro has reached base safely in 55 of the last 56 games he's played.

Randy Wells struggled with his command in his first start of the season. Wells tied a career-high with five walks but none of them scored. Wells allowed two runs on six hits with five walks and two strikeouts in five innings.

Like the other two starters in the series, Randy Wells ran up his pitch count in the first inning and barely made it through five innings of work (Chris Volstad threw 41 pitches in the first inning on Friday; Paul Maholm tossed 25 pitches in the first on Saturday and it took Wells 31 pitches to get through the first on Sunday). Wells threw 93 pitches, 52 for strikes, and received a no decision after the Cubs tied the game in the bottom of the fifth.

Rodrigo Lopez and Scott Maine allowed the Reds to take the lead for good in the sixth. Maine did retire the Reds in order in the seventh. Shawn Camp surrendered only one hit and a walk while striking out three in his two innings of scoreless ball.

With Sunday's loss (1-2 on Sundays), the Cubs dropped to 4-12 on the season ...

Randy Wells (0-0, -.--/-.--) vs. Johnny Cueto (1-0, 1.89/1.11)

The Cubs have a chance to win a series and their second game in a row but instead of Ryan Dempster taking the hill in the series finale it will be Randy Wells.

Ryan Dempster was scheduled to make his four start of the season but Dempster was placed on the DL prior to Saturday's game with a right quad strain. Dempster reportedly hurt his quad during his last start in Miami. The Cubs recalled Tony Campana from Triple-A Iowa to take Dempster's spot on the active roster and Randy Wells was officially recalled from Triple-A after Marlon Byrd was traded to the Red Sox.

Geovany Soto is expected back in the starting lineup this afternoon and Alfonso Soriano should be back in left field. Soriano has very good numbers against Johnny Cueto ... maybe he can notch his first extra basehit of the season today.

Tony Campana, Reed Johnson and Joe Mather will reportedly fill the Cubs' opening in centerfield while Brett Jackson continues to work at the Triple-A level. Even with Marlon Byrd now on Boston's roster, the Cubs are expected to stick to their development plan for Brett Jackson.

According to Bruce Miles, Michael Bowden is expected to join the Cubs' pen on Monday. Bowden would take Marlon Byrd's spot on the 40-man roster but Jed Hoyer would have to create a spot on the active roster for Bowden.

Today it all starts with Randy Wells ...

Michael Bowden is 2-2 in 39 career big league games, two starts, with a 5.61 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP. The 25-year old right hander was a supplemental round pick of the Red Sox in 2005 and was recently designated for assignment.

Updated 8:42pm CDT - According to a report from the Sun-Times, the trade is official. The Cubs sent Marlon Byrd and cash to the Red Sox for RHP Michael Bowden and a PTBNL.

The Cubs will have to make another roster move in order to open a spot on the 25-man roster for Michael Bowden.

Updated 11:58pm CDT - According to a report from the Sun-Times, the Cubs will receive a pitcher as the player to be named later in the Marlon Byrd-Michael Bowden deal. The Cubs and Sox have agreed on a list of pitchers the Cubs will choose from to complete the trade. Jed Hoyer expects to decide on the pitcher sometime next month.

According to reports out of Boston, the Cubs will pay all but $400,000 of the $5.9 million remaining on Byrd's $6.5 million salary for this season.

The Cubs ended their six-game losing streak in impressive fashion against a pitcher that has owned the organization in the past ... and Paul Maholm took care of the rest. Paul Maholm posted his first win in a Cubs' uniform and his first victory since he beat the Cubs at Wrigley on July 10, 2011.

A day after managing only five hits and zero walks, Dale Sveum's offense pounded out a season-high 14 hits and scored six times on Saturday afternoon. The Cubs' offense had a good day against Mike Leake and scored five runs in the first two innings after the Reds jumped out to an early lead.

The Cubs scored three of the four runs in the second with two outs. Joe Mather (2-for-4 with a double and a run scored) doubled in Steve Clevenger (3-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored) with the go ahead run.

The top of the Cubs' lineup was a thorn in Leake's side early in the game. David DeJesus (2-for-5 with a RBI and two runs scored) drove in Mather with the Cubs' third run and Darwin Barney (3-for-4 with a double, RBI, two runs scored and hit by pitch) doubled in DeJesus with the Cubs' fourth run. Not to be outdone, Starlin Castro (2-for-5 with a double, a triple and a RBI) tripled in Barney with the Cubs' fifth run of the day.

Steve Clevenger continued making his case for more playing time Saturday. Not only did Paul Maholm have his best start of the season but Clevenger notched his second multi-hit game of the season and drove in the Cubs' sixth run in the seventh.

After a rough first inning and working out of an early jam with allowing only one run, Paul Maholm settled down and put together a very good outing. Maholm held the Reds to one run on four hits in six innings with three walks, one intentional, and five strikeouts. Maholm threw 92 pitches, 55 for strikes, in his longest outing of the year.

The Cubs pen was solid again Saturday ... but James Russell was more than impressive. The bullpen did not allow any runs over the last three innings and surrendered just two hits, but both of those were gifts in the seventh against James Russell.

The lack of communication between the Cubs' outfield in the seventh led to two gift doubles. Tony Campana lost a ball in the sun for the first double then Campana and David DeJesus did not communicate on a bloop double by Zack Cozart. Russell showed a lot of maturity and retired Drew Stubbs, Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips in order to end the inning.

The only negative from Saturday's game was Starlin Castro committed two more errors. Castro continues to hit but appeared to take his fielding issues to the plate with him and did not hustle out of the box on both of his extra basehits.

With Saturday's victory, the Cubs improved to 4-11 on the season ...

The Cubs placed Ryan Dempster on the 15-day DL Saturday morning and recalled Tony Campana from Triple-A Iowa. In order to have Randy Wells start Sunday, the Cubs would have to make another roster move to free a spot for Wells.

Updated 11:22am CDT - According to Bruce Levine (ESPN 1000), the trade is in the process of being finalized. According to Levine, the Cubs could receive a left-handed reliever, likely Justin Thomas, and a minor league outfielder.

Updated 11:45am CDT - According to Phil Rogers, the Cubs could receive Michael Bowden in the deal for Marlon Byrd.

Paul Maholm (0-0, 13.50/1.88) vs. Mike Leake (0-1, 5.84/1.30)

Updated 10:33am CDT - Ryan Dempster placed on 15-day DL - Tony Campana Recalled from Triple-A Iowa

Updated 10:33am CDT - Randy Wells is scheduled to start Sunday in place of Ryan Demspter. Cubs will make another roster move prior to Sunday's game.

Dale Sveum's team will try to start a new week this afternoon and put the last seven days behind them. The Cubs have dropped their last six games due to a variety of reasons but the bottom line is they have not played a complete game since they beat the Brewers on April 12.

The Cubs bullpen got a lot younger Friday when Kerry Wood was placed on the DL and Scott Maine was recalled from Triple-A Iowa. Rafael Dolis and James Russell figure to be the two pitchers Sveum uses in the eighth while Wood is on the shelf.

Ryan Dempster could be joining Wood on the DL. Dempster was expected to undergo an MRI on his right quad Friday. Sveum said the results were expected Saturday morning. Randy Wells spent Friday in Chicago and will take Dempster's place in the rotation if he is forced to miss time.

It will be interesting to see the lineup Dale Sveum runs out against Mike Leake this afternoon. Marlon Byrd is lost at the plate and is just 3-for-15 with a double against Leake. Alfonso Soriano (1-for-13 with a walk) and Geovany Soto (1-for-12 with three walks) have also struggled against Leake ... and haven't exactly been hitting.

Today it all starts with Paul Maholm ...

Cook County State's Attorney's office worked with the Chicago Police Department to conduct a comprehensive review. There was not enough evidence to charge Castro with a crime according to the Tribune.

It's impossible to win a baseball game when the starting pitcher gives up six runs, five earned, on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts in five innings, the bullpen surrenders three runs on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts in four innings and the defense commits three errors.

Before the Cubs stepped to the plate on a cold, miserable day at Wrigley they found themselves in a hole again. The Reds scored four runs in a very long top of the first inning. Chris Volstad labored through a 41-pitch first inning and could not put hitters away. Several times Friday Volstad was ahead 1-2 in the count and either ended up walking the batter or giving up a hit.

The Reds batted around in the first and scored four runs on four hits, two walks and two errors. With the conditions at the park and a powerless offense, the Cubs were well on their way to their sixth straight loss before they picked up a bat.

The offense tried to make a game of it in the third. David DeJesus (1-for-4 with a run scored) reached on a one-out single and advanced to second when Darwin Barney (0-for-4 with a RBI) tapped back to Homer Bailey. DeJesus scored on a deep fly to left off the bat of Starlin Castro (1-for-4 with a run scored, extended his hitting streak to eight games). Chris Heisey dropped a ball that on any other day would have been long gone. Bryan LaHair (2-for-4 with a double, a RBI and a run scored, extended his hitting streak to nine games) followed with a single that plated Castro and made it a 4-2 game. But Chris Volstad gave those two runs right back in the top of the fourth and the Reds kept tacking on against the bullpen.

Shawn Camp, Lendy Castillo and Rafael Dolis simply could not give the offense a chance Friday afternoon. Scott Maine was the only Cubs' reliever that did not give up a run.

Ian Stewart had one of his better days at the plate but ended up with nothing to show for it (0-for-4). Stewart was robbed of a hit by Chris Heisey in the second and squared up three other balls that found their way into the Reds' gloves.

The Cubs offense managed just five hits, not a single walk and finished the game 1-for-7 with RISP and left three on base.

The Cubs defense was charged with three more errors (Starlin Castro, Marlon Byrd and Bryan LaHair) on Friday. While Marlon Byrd saved a couple of runs with a diving catch in the eighth to take away a hit and RBI from Joey Votto, the Cubs keep giving teams extra outs.

Friday's victory for the Reds was the 10,000 win in franchise history.

With Friday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 3-11 on the season ...

Chris Volstad (0-1, 4.91/1.18) vs. Homer Bailey (0-2, 5.40/1.71)

Updated 11:00am CDT - Kerry Wood placed on 15-Day DL with Right Shoulder Fatigue - Scott Maine Recalled from Triple-A Iowa

Updated 11:05am CDT - Randy Wells is with the team in Chicago. Ryan Dempster is questionable for Sunday's start against the Reds with a right quad strain. Dempster will undergo a MRI on Friday and could be headed to the DL.

Weather permitting ... The Cubs begin a very difficult six-game homestand today with the first of three against the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs' second homestand of the season concludes Wednesday with the last of three against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 3-10 Cubs (2-5 at Wrigley, 1-5 on the road) are in need of a win to end the five-game losing streak. And victories will not come easily over the next six games. The Cubs were 7-11 against the Reds a year ago and are already 1-2 versus the Cardinals this season.

Dale Sveum is expected to shuffle his lineup for today's game after his team was a miserable 2-for-18 with RISP during the three-game series in Miami (15 runners left on base in the series). Reports have suggested that Bryan LaHair could be moved to the cleanup spot with Alfonso Soriano moving down and possibly hitting in between LaHair and Ian Stewart.

The Cubs are also expected to make a decision on Kerry Wood's status prior to first pitch. Kerry Wood had a cortisone shot in his right shoulder Wednesday and if his shoulder has not responded then Wood will be placed on the disabled list. The Cubs really do not have another late inning option in the minors without clearing a spot on the 40-man roster.

Today all begins with Chris Volstad ...

Seriously though, the team is bad. I have just one question. Did any of you think something else was going to happen? We all knew this team was the opposite of good. So those acting surprised or complaining at no end are insinuating they expected different. No one did. We might as well just have fun with it.

So let's do some rambling ...

After a rough weekend in St. Louis, the Cubs thought their first trip to the Marlins' new park would be a good one with Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza and Jeff Samardzija starting the three games against the Fish. Three days later the Cubs were swept out of Miami after bad outings from Matt Garza and Jeff Samardzija and an offense that managed two hits (2-for-18) with runners in scoring position during the three-game series.

Jeff Samardzija had little to no command Thursday. After walking one batter over his first two starts, he issued five free passes, one intentional, in 3 2/3 innings on Thursday. Samardzija gave up all five runs on eight hits with five walks and three strikeouts. It took Samardzija 88 pitches, 50 for strikes, to get through his short outing.

Over his last 4 2/3 innings, Jeff Samardzija has pitched the way he did earlier in his career when he was given the opportunity to start games.

For as bad as Samardzija was Thursday, the Cubs still had a chance to salvage the final game of the series. The bullpen was stellar and tossed 4 1/3 innings of shutout ball. James Russell, Shawn Camp and Carlos Marmol allowed only two runners (a hit and a walk) and gave the offense a chance ... but once again, Sveum's team could not come through with a clutch hit with runners in scoring position.

The Cubs were 1-for-8 with RISP and left eight on base in a two-run loss. The lone hit, a Darwin Barney (1-for-5 with a triple and three RBI) bases loaded triple with two outs in the second that gave the Cubs a 3-2 lead that Samardzija could not hold.

The Cubs recorded only one less hit than the Marlins (9-8) and walked three times (12 baserunners). Ian Stewart (2-for-4) and Geovany Soto (2-for-4 with a run scored) each had a multi-hit game but not with runners in scoring position (left a combined four batters on base).

The Cubs lost their fifth in a row and have been outscored 34-10 since beating the Cardinals last Friday.

With Thursday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 3-10 on the season ...

Jeff Samardzija (2-0, 3.95/1.10) vs. Ricky Nolasco (1-0, 3.46/1.00)

The Cubs will try to salvage the final game of the series in Miami behind Jeff Samardzija this afternoon.

After beating the Cardinals to start the road trip, the Cubs have dropped four in a row ... and each loss has been a little more frustrating than the last. The Cubs are 1-4 over their last five but a win today would make the flight back to Chicago a little more enjoyable.

The Cubs have not been able to string together any hits during the first two games of the series. Dale Sveum's team has put runners on base but they have grounded into six double plays in the last two games.

The Cubs must figure out ways to put runs on the board. Since scoring a combined 17 runs in back-to-back wins against the Brewers and Cardinals, the Cubs have been outscored 29-7. Dale Sveum hinted he could switch up the lineup for today's game but he is not expected to sit Marlon Byrd any time soon.

Hopefully the coffee is strong in the Cubs' clubhouse and all of the players stayed away from South Beach last night.

This afternoon all begins with Jeff Samardzija ...

For the full stories ... check out Thursday's Down on the Farm Report.

The Chicago Cubs were beat in all phases of the game Wednesday night in Miami. Matt Garza did not have it in his first start following his gem against the Brewers. Garza was knocked out of Wednesday' game in the sixth inning before he was able to record an out.

Matt Garza allowed six runs, all earned, on seven hits with three walks and seven strikeouts in five-plus innings. The Marlins hit two big flies off Garza that accounted for four of the six runs.

Lendy Castillo and Rodrigo Lopez pitched the last three innings and were just as ineffective as Garza. Castillo gave up a run on three hits in his inning of work. Lopez surrendered the Marlins' final two runs on four hits with a pair of walks and a strikeout in two innings.

On the other side, Mark Buehrle was in control throughout his outing. The veteran southpaw had his way with the Cubs once again. It is fitting that Mark Buehrle's first win as a National League starting pitcher came at the Cubs' expense. Buehrle allowed one run on six hits with five strikeouts and no walks in eight innings.

Jeff Baker (2-for-4 with a double and a run scored) scored the Cubs only run of the night. Starlin Castro (1-for-3) and Darwin Barney (1-for-4) managed two of the Cubs six hits. The offense was 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, left four on base and grounded into two more double plays ... in the last two games, the Cubs have grounded into six double plays.

For only the second time on the young season, the Cubs did not look prepared to play and they appeared to quit during the long bottom of the sixth inning.

With Wednesday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 3-9 on the season ...

Matt Garza (1-0, 1.23/0.75) vs. Mark Buehrle (0-2, 3.65/1.38)

Dale Sveum will turn to Matt Garza tonight to put an end to the team's three-game losing streak. The Cubs dropped another game Tuesday night in which they had a lead in but could not tack on and put away. With the limited offense, the Cubs simply do not have any room for error right now and have to play mistake-free ball in order to win games.

Geovany Soto is expected back in the lineup and with Mark Buehrle on the hill look for Jeff Baker and Reed Johnson in the staring nine as well. Will Joe Mather get a start? Will Dale Sveum stick with Marlon Byrd?

As for the bullpen, if the Cubs have a lead late in the game, which relievers will Dale Sveum use to get to Carlos Marmol? Rafael Dolis figures to be unavailable after a long outing Tuesday, so that would leave Shawn Camp, Lendy Castillo, Rodrigo Lopez and James Russell as the bridge to Marmol.

Tonight all begins with Matt Garza ...

Kerry Wood left the team Tuesday and flew back to Chicago to receive a cortisone shot in his right shoulder. According to Comcast SportsNet, "if the shoulder responds, the Cubs hope Wood will be available by the weekend. If not, there's the possibility that Wood could land on the disabled list for the 16th time in his career."

As Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein put it, "When pitchers are getting cortisone shots in a shoulder before the season is two weeks old that is not a good sign."

A throwing error by Ryan Dempster, a fielding error by Darwin Barney and a passed ball by Steve Clevenger gave the Marlins all the extra outs they needed to take the first game of the series Tuesday night. Three of the Marlins' five runs were unearned due to the Cubs' defensive miscues.

The game was tied at two going into the bottom of the eighth. The Cubs offense had wasted plenty of opportunities and ran themselves out of two other scoring chances. Rafael Dolis was a little shaky in the seventh but did not allow any runs ... that all changed when Darwin Barney booted a routine grounder off the bat of Jose Reyes to start the eighth.

After Barney's error, a passed ball by Steve Clevenger and a walk to Emilio Bonifacio, Dolis fell behind Hanley Ramirez 3-1. The Marlins' shortstop smoked Dolis' next pitch over the wall in left center. The contraption in centerfield did its thing and the Marlins took a 5-2 lead.

Heath Bell sat down the Cubs in order in the ninth for his first save in a Marlins' uniform.

Ryan Dempster put together another good outing but it was his throwing error that led to the Marlins taking the lead in the fifth. Dempster allowed two unearned runs on four hits with two walks and eight strikeouts in six innings. Dempster threw 100 pitches, 63 for strikes.

Darwin Barney (3-for-4 with a run scored) and Starlin Castro (2-for-4 with a stolen base) accounted for five of the Cubs' seven hits. Steve Clevenger (1-for-3 with a double and a run scored) notched the Cubs only extra basehit of the night and scored the tying run in the seventh on a single by Bryan LaHair (1-for-2 with a RBI and a walk).

The Cubs offense managed 10 baserunners (seven hits and three walks) but grounded into four double plays. Dale Sveum's team also committed two baserunning mistakes that led to two outs.

It is hard to win a game at the big league level if a team gives away as many outs as the Cubs did Tuesday night in Miami.

With Tuesday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 3-8 on the season ...

Ryan Dempster (0-1, 1.88/0.91) vs. Josh Johnson (0-2, 8.38/2.48)

The Chicago Cubs get back to work tonight with the first of three at the Marlins' new park in Miami. Following Thursday morning's finale, the Cubs return home to open a three-game weekend series with the Reds.

The Cubs split the six games (3-3) they played against the 'old' Florida Marlins last season. But that was then and a lot is expected of the new-look Miami Marlins this season. They spent quite a bit of money on free agents Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle in the off-season, plus they brought Ozzie Guillen back to the organization. The Marlins also worked a deal with the Cubs in the off-season to add depth to their starting staff. The Cubs will not face Carlos Zambrano during this series ... the Fish make their annual trip to Wrigley in mid-July (July 17-19).

Dale Sveum is sending his top three pitchers to the hill during the series in Miami. After tonight's match-up of Opening Day starters, Matt Garza faces Mark Buehrle on Wednesday night with Jeff Samardzija squaring off against Ricky Nolasco on Thursday morning in the finale.

Tonight all begins with Ryan Dempster ...