CHICAGO — Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano declared himself ready to return to the rotation after throwing a pain-free session in the bullpen Sunday.
Zambrano, 8-3 with a 3.13 ERA, went on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month with a right shoulder strain and likely will be activated to start Friday in St. Louis. He’ll throw one more session on the side Tuesday in San Francisco.
Footnotes.
The Brewers activated right-hander Eric Gagne from the 15-day DL, but manager Ned Yost wasn’t ready to formally assign the former closer a role upon his return.
Right-hander Mark DiFelice was optioned to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Gagne.
• Royals outfielder David DeJesus, who leads the majors in hitting with runners in scoring position, was removed from the game against St. Louis after a collision at the plate with catcher Jason LaRue.
The team said DeJesus had bruises to his lower right rib cage and would be day to day.
• Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer was placed on the 15-day DL, the start of his second stint on the shelf this season to heal a lingering finger injury.
• The Tigers placed right fielder Magglio Ordoñez on the 15-day DL with a pulled muscle in his right side.
• Mets outfielder Ryan Church returned from the DL and was in the starting lineup against the Yankees.
• Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla was out of the lineup against the Diamondbacks, a day after he sprained his left ankle.
• Right-hander Romulo Sanchez was recalled by the Pirates from Triple-A Indianapolis.
The Associated Press
