Jim Bullinger, who has been on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis since May 21, said Sunday he probably will be able to return to the starting rotation on Thursday.
Bullinger, who leads Cubs starters with a 3-0 record and 1.95 ERA, has been on rehab assignment with Cubs farm teams in Orlando and Iowa. He said he will accompany the club on the road trip that begins Monday.
“I plan to throw in the bullpen tomorrow and probably will be able to start by Thursday,” Bullinger said Sunday following an examination of his elbow by doctors.
If Bullinger returns to the rotation, it could relegate Anthony Young to the bullpen. Young, sidelined almost a full year after arm surgery, started Saturday and permitted five runs in two innings, inflating his ERA to 12.46. Young said his arm felt fine Sunday.
Move over:After two starts in left field, Todd Zeile will start Monday night at third base . . . and stay there.
“He looked real well and comfortable in practice at third today,” manager Jim Riggleman said Sunday. “I just want to give him another day and another practice before the game tomorrow in San Diego. On the road, it will be a little easier transition, too.”
Season update:Sunday’s loss marked the one-third mark in the Cubs 144-game season. If the team maintains its current pace it would finish 75-69. Mark Grace would bat .331 with 66 doubles, 24 homers and 105 RBI. Sammy Sosa would finish at .285 with 36 homers, 108 RBI. Shawon Dunston would hit .313 with 18 homers and 87 RBI.
Farm report:Former first-round draft pick Brooks Kieschnick had two hits, including his ninth homer, as Triple A Iowa (31-34) lost 5-1 to Buffalo.
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