According to multiple reports on Sunday night, Carlos Zambrano could miss his next scheduled start on Friday in Milwaukee. Zambrano left Sunday’s win against the Marlins in the bottom of the fifth with a strained left hamstring. Zambrano beat out a bunt single that set-up the big inning and set the stage for Derrek Lee’s grand slam.
Lou Piniella said in his post-game press conference the strain was in the belly of the hamstring. Zambrano reportedly had a MRI on Sunday night and the Cubs are expected to know more on Monday.
A report from the Tribune indicated, “Even if the injury isn’t considered serious, Zambrano most likely will be shutdown.” The Tribune stated Randy Wells, Jose Ascanio or Mitch Atkins would probably be brought up from Iowa to make Zambrano’s start against the Brewers. Lou Piniella said, “I would think we’re going to have to do something to get a starter in here.” Piniella defended Zambrano’s bunt single and said he thought it was a good play.
Jose Ascanio has pitched well for the Iowa Cubs and so has Randy Wells, but Mitch Atkins has struggled and the large crowd at Miller Park against a division rival but not be the best time for a pitcher to make his big league debut. Sean Marshall did very well in a similar situation in his debut against the Cardinals in 2006, but that was at Wrigley Field.
Should know more on Monday…stay tuned.