Bob Scanlan will remain in the Cubs` rotation for now, manager Jim Essian said Wednesday.
Scanlan, who has lasted a total of five innings in his last two outings, will start Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
”You have to be patient with young pitchers like that,” said Essian, who had toyed with the idea of replacing Scanlan with lefty Chuck McElroy.
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”You have to give him credit for the first four starts (all Cub wins).”
Scanlan might well be pitching for a spot on the club on Saturday. With Danny Jackson expected to return Sunday, the Cubs will have to open up a spot on the roster.
It had seemed likely that little-used catcher Erik Pappas would be sent down, but he was demoted Tuesday night and Rick Wilkins was promoted.
Dawson better: Rest apparently has helped Andre Dawson`s nagging right knee, but he still might not be back in the lineup until this weekend.
”I`m moving a lot better,” Dawson said. ”It`s looser. It`s just a little weak.”
Sutcliffe`s not: Rick Sutcliffe threw in the bullpen for 20 minutes, but Essian said it was a workout and that he had not intended to bring Sutcliffe into the game, which the Cubs trailed 1-0 in the seventh. ”It felt good, but it`s still weak,” said Sutcliffe.