http://sportstwo.com/MLB/Story/MLB/2665870 <span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%">Cubs RHP Wood likely headed to DL</span> Monday, July 21, 2008 11:37 AM PHOENIX (Ticker) -- A blister problem likely will send Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood to the disabled list for the 12th time in his career. Bothered by a blister on his right index finger, Wood was unable to pitch in the All-Star Game and has not appeared in a game since June 11. The Cubs would be able to put Wood on the DL retroactive to July 12, meaning he could miss only a week. "We're coming to the point where we're going to have to come to a conclusion about what to do," Cubs manager Lou Piniella told the Chicago Tribune. Carlos Marmol, who replaced Wood on the National League All-Star roster, would assume the Cubs' closer duties. Chicago begins a three-game series in Arizona on Monday. With Wood unavailable, Marmol squandered a five-run lead in the ninth inning in Rich Harden's first start for the Cubs on July 12, a game Chicago eventually won Marmol did toss a scoreless ninth to close out Sunday's 9-0 win over the Houston Astros. The hard-throwing righthander got off to a strong start this season in his setup role, posting a 1.82 ERA through May. But he has struggled since, posting an 8.83 ERA in his last 20 outings. The Cubs are trying to hold on to first place in the National League Central as their lead has been reduced to two games over the St. Louis Cardinals. Chicago did get some good news, as left fielder and leadoff hitter Alfonso Soriano will be begin a rehab assignment Monday. Soriano has been sidelined since June 11 with a broken bone in his left hand, and the Cubs are hoping he can return to the lineup later this week.
