CHICAGO (AP) -Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood is battling a sore back days after coming off the disabled list because of a blister on his right index finger.
Wood’s back made him unavailable to pitch Friday, three days after he was activated from a three-week DL stint. He said Saturday he was feeling better and ready to go.
Manager Lou Piniella wasn’t quite so sure.
“We’ll see how he feels as the afternoon progresses. I’m not saying that we’ll be able to use him; I’m not saying we’re not,” he said. “When he’s ready, he’s ready. I don’t know. I don’t anticipate it being long-term. Just hope it’s not as long as the finger.”
Piniella said he would stick with his initial plan when Wood first came off the DL, keeping him out of save situations so he can get acclimated. Wood pitched the eighth inning of a win Tuesday against Houston.
“When he gets back, he’s only pitched one time in a month so we’ve got to get him some work,” Piniella said.
Wood is 4-2 with a 2.96 ERA with 24 saves in 29 chances this season.
Piniella said he felt bad for Wood, whose career has been slowed by numerous injuries since he broke in 10 years ago. His most recent trip to the DL was his 12th.
“The secret here is to get him healthy entirely and getting him pitching and keeping him healthy,” Piniella said.
Carlos Marmol, Bob Howry and Jeff Samardzija are candidates to close games.
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