CHICAGO — The Cubs have placed starter Carlos Zambrano on the 15-day disabled list because of soreness in his lower back and activated reliever Kerry Wood.
Zambrano showed up for Thursday’s start against San Francisco in pain and left to boos in the second inning trailing 1-0.
Zambrano was expected to make two more starts before the all-star break. Triple-A pitcher Ramon Ortiz likely will take his spot in the rotation next week.
Wood had been sidelined by a blister on his right index finger.
Buchholz being treated for depression
NEW YORK — Mets right-hander Taylor Buchholz did not return from the DL after his pitching shoulder healed because he is being treated for depression and anxiety.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said the team has waited to disclose Buchholz’s condition until he was comfortable with it becoming public.
Alburquerque on DL
DETROIT — The Tigers placed pitcher Al Alburquerque on the 15-day DL because of inflammation in his right forearm. Alburquerque is 5-1 and has 47 strikeouts in 29 innings, holding opponents to a .157 slugging percentage.
A-Rod did not play in poker game
NEW YORK — A spokesman for Yankees star Alex Rodriguez said the slugger never played in the illegal celebrity poker games.
Star Magazine reported several people saw A-Rod playing at one of the games that were hosted at Hollywood hotels and private residences.
Footnotes.
The Indians put closer Chris Perez on the bereavement list following the death of his grandmother.
• The Diamondbacks placed right-handed closer J.J. Putz on the 15-day DL with right elbow tendinitis.
• Rangers pitcher Brandon Webb has been scratched from a rehab start because of shoulder discomfort.
• The New York Times Co. has sold more than half of its stake in the Red Sox for $117 million.
